Our group in the annex is like a “miniature Gulf Cup.”

National team goalkeeper Khaled Issa confirmed that the nature of the group that includes “Al-Abyad” in the 2026 World Cup playoff is somewhat different from the second group that includes the teams of Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Indonesia, indicating that the competition at this stage is very similar to the Gulf Cup tournament, but with different goals.
Khaled Issa said in press statements before the Oman match scheduled for Saturday (9:15 UAE time): “Our group is a little different from the second group, and I can say that it is similar to the Gulf Mini Cup, but with higher and broader goals than just a regional championship. It is true that the Gulf Cup is an ancient tournament and has a great legacy among us as Gulf people, but these current competitions in the Asian competition carry a special character because they are a path towards a greater goal that awaits the teams in “The coming period.”

He added: “We, as players, are fully aware of the importance of the next two matches, and the goal of every player and coach is to give his best, because such opportunities do not occur often. Perhaps some players in the UAE, Oman or Qatar teams will not have such an opportunity again, so the focus now is entirely on achieving the goal without paying attention to any external circumstances.”

The “White” goalkeeper concluded his speech by saying: “We have a group of 26 to 27 players, all of whom are ready and excited to participate, even if for one minute, because they know that these matches can immortalize their names in the history of Emirates football, and their stories can be told to future generations.”