In the upcoming Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, scheduled to commence this Thursday, Nepal is poised for a determined performance against the formidable UAE in Group H.

Seeking to surpass their previous qualifying campaign's shortcomings, Nepal aims not only to progress to the next round but also to secure a spot in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 9:30 PM NST at AL MAKTOUM STADIUM (DUBAI), providing a challenging setting for Nepal as they face the top team in Asia.

Despite the formidable competition, Nepal is confident in their young squad's capabilities to deliver a commendable performance.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Kiran Kumar Limbu, Deep Karki, Abhishek Baral

Defenders: Sanish Shrestha, Rohit Chand, Anjan Rai, Aashish Chaudhary, Amrit Shrestha, Arik Bista, Chhiring Lama, Yogesh Gurung

Midfielders: Laken Limbu, Utsav Rai, Kritish Ratna Chhunju, Manish Dangi, Sesehang Angdembe, Nishan Hamal

Forwards: Anjan Bista, Ayush Ghalan, Gillespye Jung Karki, Hisub Thapaliya, Sanjeeb Bista, Rajesh Pariyar

Officials: Uttam Raj Bhandari (Team Manager), Vincenzo Alberto Annese (Head Coach), Prabesh Katwal (Coach), Binod Maharjan (GK Coach), Dr Raju Dangol Maharjan (Team Doctor), Avishkar Pudasaini (Physiotherapist), Bikash Gurung (Kit Manager), Shyam Krishna Subedi (Official), Mani Dewan (Official), Kabirash Sharma (Media Officer)