The opening matches
Tickets come in three packages and are for access to both the 5pm fixture and the 8pm fixture at the same stadium. Single tickets are Dhs10 or Dhs50 (depending on which seats you choose). There is also a family package where, if you buy two adult tickets at Dhs50, you get two additional children’s tickets for free. With the group package option, you will receive one free ticket for every ten tickets you buy (maximum 100 tickets at Dhs50).
The opening fixture for the UAE is against Honduras at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on October 17. The match kicks off at 8pm. If you buy a ticket to this game you can also see Brazil play Slovakia at the same stadium earlier, at 5pm for no additional charge.
The opening fixture in Dubai takes place at the Rashid Stadium on Saturday October 19, where Canada takes on Austria. For full fixture and ticket information, visit www.fifa.com.
Pundit’s predictions
Tom Urquhart, host of The Grill on Dubai Eye 103.8FM gives his picks
Who is your favourite to win?
To be honest it’s a bit of a lottery but I always think the African nations play well in these tournaments and Nigeria will be competitive as always. They are a big physical side and have good form in this competition.
How do you rate the UAE’s chances of progressing beyond the group stage?
The Brazil game on October 20 is going to be huge for them. The atmosphere will be massive and that could play into the hands of the UAE. I think they have the squad to get through the group. I’ll put my neck on the line here by suggesting an upset against the Brazilians.
Do you think that the temperature here will be an issue for some teams?
The Swedes, Russians and Kiwis might feel it a bit but I don’t see it being an issue. It’s started to cool down already and after all these young lads are elite athletes at the top of their game.
Who do you think is the toughest group?
Group F could well be a ‘group of deF’ with all four teams capable of big displays.
The Grill is on every Saturday from 5-8pm.
The groups
There are six qualifying groups for the knock-out stages (A-F). Each group consists of four teams, with the top two teams from each group going through to the knock-out stages. The runners up from each group must play first, with the winner from each match going on to compete against a group winner.
The final will take place at 8pm in Abu Dhabi on Friday November 8.
Stadiums
Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
Built in 1971 this multi-purpose stadium has a capacity of more than 10,000.
Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
The home of Al Jazira Club, this stadium, which was renovated in 2009, has a capacity of 40,000. In 2009 and 2010, the arena hosted the FIFA Club World Cup.
Rashid Stadium, Dubai
Constructed in 1948, the home of the Al Ahli Club recently hosted a match between AC Milan and Paris St Germain.
