The UAE Football Association (UAEFA) has come up with the big news that former South Korean national team leader Paulo Bento has officially taken over the coaching reins of the UAE national team. The Portuguese-born coach has signed a three-year employment contract with the team.
Bento, who is now in his third stint at the helm of the national team, was head coach of the Portuguese national team from 2010 to 2014.In 2018, he moved to South Korea and took the team to the round of 16 at the World Cup in Qatar, however, after failing to agree on a contract extension with the South Korean Football Association (KFA), he chose to say goodbye.
Speaking at his inaugural conference, Bento said, "I have watched numerous matches in the UAE in preparation for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers as well as the Asian Cup next January. For now, I have enough information to select outstanding players. I have arrived to put in the work, not to enjoy my vacation. Victory will give our fans immense joy."
In 1990, the UAE team was on the World Cup stage. Now, at the age of 54, Bento is determined to take the team to the 2026 World Cup final round.
