The Al Wahda vs Al-Duhail clash takes place on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Kick-off is scheduled for 16:00 GMT. This high-profile encounter forms part of the third edition of the UAE–Qatar Super Cup series, specifically the Challenge Shield match, pitting the UAE side against their Qatari counterparts in a one-off prestige showdown designed to showcase top clubs from both nations. No specific referee has been publicly confirmed yet for this fixture, though past cross-border games in regional competitions have often featured experienced Asian officials known for strict card discipline.
Both teams arrive with recent domestic momentum mixed with occasional inconsistency, setting the stage for an intriguing neutral-ground battle where home advantage for Al Wahda could play a subtle role in front of their Abu Dhabi supporters.
BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS
This Al Wahda vs Al-Duhail prediction today dives into the tactical and form-based angles that could decide the outcome in this cross-border Super Cup tie. Recent performances show both sides capable of sharp attacking play but vulnerable at the back during transitional moments. The head-to-head history adds extra spice, with tight contests and goals featuring prominently in prior meetings. Bettors should watch for value in markets tied to goals and individual duels, given the open nature of such showcase fixtures. Expect intensity from the first whistle as pride and silverware are on the line.
Al Wahda Results
Al Wahda head into this Super Cup encounter with a mixed but resilient run in the UAE Pro League, blending solid home displays with some dropped points away. They have shown defensive grit in recent outings while maintaining threat on the counter. The team looks refreshed ahead of this prestige match on home soil.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 17.01.26 | LEA | Al Ain vs Al Wahda | 2-2 | D |
| 10.01.26 | LEA | Al Wahda vs Al Sharjah | 1-1 | D |
| 06.01.26 | LEA | Al Wahda vs Bani Yas | 3-0 | W |
| 02.01.26 | LEA | Al Wasl vs Al Wahda | 1-0 | L |
| 28.12.25 | LEA | Al Wahda vs Khorfakkan | 1-0 | W |
Al Wahda have collected points in four of their last five league games, with two clean sheets highlighting improving defensive organization at home. Draws against strong sides like Al Ain and Al Sharjah indicate resilience under pressure. The 3-0 home win over Bani Yas showcased clinical finishing. The narrow loss to Al Wasl exposed occasional vulnerability on the road. Overall, momentum builds nicely for this Abu Dhabi-hosted clash.
Al-Duhail Results
Al-Duhail approach the Challenge Shield after a patchy sequence in the Qatar Stars League and continental action, featuring both convincing wins and frustrating setbacks. Their attacking quality remains evident despite defensive lapses in away fixtures. This Super Cup provides a chance to regain sharpness on a big stage.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 19.01.26 | QSL | Umm-Salal vs Al-Duhail | 3-0 | L |
| 15.01.26 | QSL | Al Wakra vs Al-Duhail | 0-2 | W |
| 08.01.26 | QSL | Al-Shahaniya vs Al-Duhail | 0-0 | D |
| 28.12.25 | QSL | Al-Duhail vs Qatar SC | 1-0 | W |
| 22.12.25 | CL | Tractor vs Al-Duhail | 2-1 | L |
Al-Duhail secured victories in two of their last five, including a shutout win at Al Wakra that underlined counter-attacking potency. The heavy defeat to Umm-Salal exposed road frailties. A goalless draw against Al-Shahaniya reflected cautious play in mid-table clashes. Home success over Qatar SC showed composure in tight games. Recent continental loss highlights the need for focus against motivated opposition.
Al Wahda vs Al-Duhail Head-to-Head (Last 3 Matches)
Previous encounters between these sides have delivered competitive football with goals and decisive moments, mostly in Asian Champions League ties. Al-Duhail holds a slight historical edge, but Al Wahda’s recent home win shifts the narrative.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 20.10.25 | CL | Al Wahda vs Al-Duhail | 3-1 |
| 17.04.18 | CL | Al-Duhail vs Al Wahda | 1-0 |
| 19.02.18 | CL | Al Wahda vs Al-Duhail | 2-3 |
Al-Duhail won two of the three prior meetings, often capitalizing on transitions. Al Wahda’s emphatic 3-1 victory in October 2025 demonstrates growing confidence at home against Qatari opposition. Matches tend to produce goals, with both teams scoring in two of three. Defensive errors have proven costly in these cross-border battles. Expect similar openness in this neutral-motivated Super Cup.
Predicted Lineups for Al Wahda vs Al-Duhail
These are the forecasted starting lineups for the Al Wahda vs Al-Duhail UAE/Qatar Super Cup Challenge Shield match on January 23, 2026, based on recent team selections, player availability, and tactical preferences in similar fixtures.Both sides are expected to deploy familiar tactical setups, with Al Wahda leveraging home familiarity and Al-Duhail relying on midfield control despite absences. Note that these are predictions and subject to last-minute changes from coaches.
Al Wahda: Predicted lineup
Al Shamsi (GK), Abaelaziz (DF), Ogbu (DF), Ivkovic (DF), Guga (DF), Jadsom (MF), Kruspzky (MF), Hamad (MF), Benteke (MF), Tadic (FW), Khribin (FW).

Al-Duhail: Predicted lineup
Zakaria (GK), Sabaly (DF), Castelletto (DF), Bamba (DF), Al Brake (DF), Verratti (MF), Boudiaf (MF), Mohammed (MF), Boulbina (MF), Edmilson Junior (FW), Piatek (FW).

INJURED AND QUESTIONABLE PLAYERS
Several key players from both squads are sidelined or doubtful due to recent injuries, which could significantly impact tactical options and depth in this cross-border Super Cup clash. The absences, particularly in attack and midfield, align with earlier notes on Al-Duhail’s forward line struggles and Al Wahda’s defensive concerns.
| Team | Player | Injury/Status |
| Al Wahda | Alaeddin Zouhair | Ankle ligament surgery (long-term sidelined) |
| Al-Duhail | Almoez Ali | Leg surgery in London (major absence in attack) |
| Al-Duhail | Ferjani Sassi | Adductor injury (midfield control affected) |
| Al-Duhail | Edmilson Junior | Questionable / recent heel ligament issue (risky for start) |
| Al-Duhail | Marco Verratti | Recent injury concerns (listed in matches, fitness in doubt) |
These predicted lineups and injury updates draw from the squads provided, cross-referenced with recent patterns in domestic and continental games. Al Wahda benefit from a fuller home squad selection, while Al-Duhail’s missing stars may force adjustments in pressing and transitions.
Key Match Factors and Team News
Several elements could sway this UAE/Qatar Super Cup Challenge Shield, from player availability to tactical setups and recent trends. Both squads face motivation to claim early-season silverware. Injuries and form will be decisive in a high-stakes one-off.
- Al Wahda benefit from home crowd support at Al Nahyan Stadium, potentially boosting intensity in key phases;
- Al-Duhail miss star striker Almoez Ali after his recent leg surgery in London, severely weakening their forward line;
- Al Wahda’s Alaeddin Zouhair remains sidelined post-ankle ligament surgery from late 2025, impacting defensive depth;
- Al-Duhail’s Ferjani Sassi is out with an adductor injury sustained in a prior league game, reducing midfield control;
- Al Wahda show a strong unbeaten home streak in recent league matches, with clean sheets adding confidence;
- Al-Duhail struggle defensively on the road, conceding heavily in their latest away loss to Umm-Salal;
- No major scandals reported, but international breaks have caused minor fatigue for players from both sides;
- Motivation runs high for Al Wahda to defend home turf in this cross-border rivalry showcase.
Free Tips on Al Wahda vs Al-Duhail
This section delivers practical, match-specific betting guidance drawn from the teams’ recent form, head-to-head patterns, and statistical trends in their encounters. By examining goal averages, productivity in past clashes, and current momentum, these tips highlight edges for informed decisions in this UAE/Qatar Super Cup Challenge Shield fixture. Focus on data-backed angles to spot potential value without over-relying on general assumptions.
- Prioritize goal markets based on H2H trends: The three recorded meetings averaged 3.33 goals per game, with over 2.5 goals landing in two of three, and both teams scoring in the majority, suggesting an open, attacking affair likely to exceed low totals despite missing key forwards.
- Factor in home advantage for Al Wahda: Hosting at Al Nahyan Stadium on natural grass, Al Wahda boast a resilient recent home record with clean sheets and draws against quality opposition, giving them a clear edge over Al-Duhail’s inconsistent away displays where they concede heavily.
- Watch for fatigue from recent schedules: Both sides played mid-January league fixtures with travel elements (Al-Duhail from Qatar), potentially leading to cautious starts or errors in transitions; this supports first-half draw possibilities or lower early goal counts before fatigue opens the game.
- Leverage historical edge in productivity: Al Wahda’s emphatic 3-1 home win in their most recent October 2025 clash against Al-Duhail highlights growing confidence in direct matchups, tilting the scales toward home-side success or at least competitive scoring rather than a low-event stalemate.
- Consider neutral motivation in a one-off trophy: As a prestige Challenge Shield with no league points at stake, both teams push for silverware without relegation pressure, often resulting in motivated, goal-oriented play that favors BTTS or over markets in showcase cross-border games.
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Al Wahda vs Al-Duhail Match Prediction
In this Al Wahda vs Al-Duhail prediction, the hosts hold a slight edge thanks to home advantage, recent head-to-head success (including the 3-1 win in October 2025), and Al-Duhail’s absence of key attacker Almoez Ali due to injury. Al Wahda’s solid home form, with draws against top sides and convincing wins, contrasts Al-Duhail’s inconsistent away results and defensive issues. While Al-Duhail possess quality in transitions, missing personnel and travel could blunt their threat. Expect Al Wahda to control midfield and exploit counters, likely producing a narrow but deserved victory in a competitive, goal-involved affair. Al Wahda vs Al-Duhail odds reflect a balanced market, yet value lies with the hosts given the context.
Our Prediction: Al Wahda 2-1 Al-Duhail
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Winner | Al Wahda Win | 2.30 |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 Goals | 1.72 |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.65 |
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