Oman Announces Squad for Asian World Cup Play-Off Matches

The technical staff of the Oman football team, led by Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, announced the final 27-player squad for the internal training camp in Muscat. The camp will be held from 2 to 11 October, preparing the team for the Asian play-off matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Group Stage Matches Scheduled

Oman’s play-off journey will begin in Group 1, facing Qatar, the host of the group, on Wednesday, 8 October, at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Al Sadd Club. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 PM Oman time. Following this, Oman will play against the United Arab Emirates on Saturday, 11 October, at 9:15 PM. Both matches are crucial for the team’s qualification to the 2026 World Cup.

27-Player Squad Selection

The squad includes Ibrahim Al-Mukhaini, Fayez Al-Rashidi, Bilal Al-Balushi, Musab Al-Shaqsi, Khaled Al-Breiki, Mahmoud Al-Mashifri, Ahmed Al-Khamisi, Naif Bait Sabeeh, Amjad Al-Harthi, Thani Al-Rashidi, Ghanem Al-Habsi, Ali Al-Busaidi, Sultan Al-Marzouqi, Ayed Al-Mashaikhi, Hareth Al-Saadi, Arshad Al-Alawi, Abdullah Fawaz, Zaher Al-Aghbari, Jameel Al-Yahmadi, Abdulrahman Al-Mashifri, Muhsin Al-Ghassani, Nasser Al-Rawahi, Salah Al-Yahyai, Mohammed Al-Ghafri, and Issam Al-Sabhi.

Coach Carlos Queiroz’s Strategy

Coach Queiroz emphasized that the internal training camp will focus on strengthening teamwork, tactical awareness, and physical conditioning. The team aims to enter the play-offs fully prepared to face competitive opponents and secure a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Preparation and Training Camp

The internal training camp in Muscat will provide the players with intensive practice sessions, fitness routines, and tactical drills. Coach Queiroz and his technical staff will also monitor player performance closely to finalize strategies for the matches against Qatar and the UAE.

Importance of Play-Off Matches

These Asian play-off matches are critical for Oman, as success will secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup. Playing against strong teams like Qatar and the UAE requires careful planning, teamwork, and focus on both offensive and defensive strategies.

Player Highlights and Roles

The squad includes a balanced mix of experienced players and young talent. Players like Ibrahim Al-Mukhaini, Bilal Al-Balushi, and Arshad Al-Alawi are expected to play key roles in both attack and defense, while midfielders like Khaled Al-Breiki and Ahmed Al-Khamisi will support transitions and ball control.

Focus on Team Unity and Morale

Coach Queiroz highlighted the importance of team unity, morale, and discipline. The training camp will also include sessions on mental preparation, match readiness, and handling high-pressure situations during critical matches.

As the internal camp concludes on 11 October, Oman will travel to Qatar to face their first play-off match, followed by the game against the UAE. The team’s performance in these matches will determine their progression in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification process.