The UAE and Kuwait face off in a Group C decider at the FIFA Arab Cup 2025. Find out where to watch live, see predicted lineups, team news, and match predictions.
UAE vs. Kuwait: When & How to Watch Live (Group C Decider)
The stakes couldn’t be higher in Group C of the FIFA Arab Cup 2025. The United Arab Emirates (Al-Abyad) and Kuwait (The Blue Wave) face a “must-win” showdown at Stadium 974 in Lusail.
With Egypt sitting on two points and Jordan leading the pack with six, both the UAE and Kuwait enter Matchday 3 with one point each. A victory in this clash will likely secure second place and a golden ticket to the quarter-finals.
Here is everything you need to know about the match, including team news, TV channels, and predictions.
Quick Match Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Fixture | United Arab Emirates vs. Kuwait |
| Competition | FIFA Arab Cup 2025 (Group C – Matchday 3) |
| Date | Tuesday, 9 December 2025 |
| Kick-off Time | 3:30 p.m. (Tunis/GMT+1) / 5:30 p.m. (Doha/GMT+3) |
| Venue | Stadium 974, Doha, Qatar |
| TV Channels | beIN Sports, Al Kass, Dubai Sports, Abu Dhabi Sports |
How to Watch UAE vs. Kuwait Live
Fans across the Middle East and North Africa can catch the action live. The match will be broadcast free-to-air on several major networks:
-
beIN Sports (Open frequency)
-
Al Kass Channels
-
Dubai Sports
-
Abu Dhabi Sports
UAE Team News & Tactics
After a tough 2-1 loss to Jordan where they played with ten men, coach Cosmin Olaroiu is expected to field his strongest possible XI. Despite the loss, the UAE showed attacking promise, with Bruno Oliveira netting their only goal.
Key Adjustments:
-
Defense: The backline requires a forced shuffle following Khaled Al-Dhanhani’s early red card for a handball in the previous match. Olaroiu will emphasize discipline to avoid conceding cheap penalties.
-
Attack: Expect a Brazilian flair upfront. Caio Lucas will lead the line, supported by the goal-scorer Bruno Oliveira on the wing.
-
Midfield: Argentine-born Nicolás Giménez will provide the creative spark, while captain Yahia Nader anchors the midfield to break up Kuwaiti counter-attacks.
Kuwait Team News & Tactics
Under coach Helio Sousa, Kuwait scraped a 1-1 draw against Egypt thanks to a header from striker Fahed Al-Hajri. However, that result came at a cost.
Key Adjustments:
-
Goalkeeper Crisis: First-choice keeper Saud Al-Hoshan was sent off late against Egypt. Sousa must now rely on backup goalkeepers Mustapha Bushrith or Ali Al-Dasri to step into the pressure cooker.
-
Strategy: Expect a compact defensive block. Captain Youssef Majed and midfielder Fawaz Ayed will look to hold the center, while defenders Abdulwahab Al-Owadhi and Sultan Al-Enzi must remain solid against the UAE’s pace. Kuwait’s plan will be to absorb pressure and hit on the counter through Al-Hajri.
What to Expect: Tactical Preview
This game promises tension. The UAE will likely dominate possession, looking to score early to settle their nerves. Olaroiu will rely heavily on the individual brilliance of Caio and Bruno to unlock Kuwait’s low block.
Conversely, Kuwait will likely sit deep, protecting their backup goalkeeper. Discipline is the keyword for this match; after red cards plagued both teams in their previous outings, keeping 11 men on the pitch could decide the winner.
While the UAE has the technical advantage, Kuwait’s defensive grit—led by Majed and Ayed—could frustrate Al-Abyad. Ultimately, this game may be decided by a single moment of magic or a defensive error.
Predictions & Betting Tips
Looking for betting angles? Here is our analysis for the UAE vs. Kuwait clash:
-
Prediction: UAE to Win.
-
Why? The UAE possesses superior attacking quality and experience compared to the current Kuwaiti squad.
-
-
Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes.
-
Why? Both defenses are missing key players due to suspension, increasing the likelihood of goals at both ends.
-
-
Total Goals: Under 2.5.
-
Why? In high-pressure elimination games, teams tend to play cautiously. A 1-1 or 2-0 scoreline is highly probable.
-
-
Player to Watch: Bruno Oliveira to Score.
-
Why? The winger is in form and will look to exploit a Kuwaiti defense adjusting to a new goalkeeper.
-





