We play with heart of football and soul of true

MUSCAT, OCT 6
Oman national football team head coach, Carlos Queiroz, delivered an inspiring statement ahead of the Red Warriors’ crucial clashes in the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 2026 against Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday and Saturday respectively.
The Portuguese coach delivered a heartfelt message posted on his official Instagram account to the players and fans. “The power of our players is the team, the power of our team is to be real Omanis. We are more than footballers, because we play with the heart of football and fight with the soul of true Omanis,” Queiroz wrote.
“We play with pride and honour for one country, one flag, and the people of Oman. Thanks to all who challenge our destiny with adversity and unfair difficulties. They only help us grow up and become even stronger.”
The veteran experienced Portuguese coach’s words captured the unity, resilience, and national pride that have defined Oman’s campaign as they chase up for a historic first-ever qualification for the Fifa World Cup 2026.
Yusuke Araki, Japanese Fifa-registered international referee, will officiate Oman clash against Qatar on Wednesday. The Asian based official was born on May 2, 1986, in Tokyo. He has been a Fifa international referee since 2017 and has officiated numerous matches for the AFC Champions League, AFC Asian Cup, and Fifa World Cup qualifiers. He has participated in referee exchange programmes, such as with Qatar.
On the other hand, the national team delegation, led by Sayyid Sulaiman bin Hamoud al Busaidy, Chairman of Oman Football Association (OFA) departed on Monday night from Muscat to Doha aboard a special chartered flight. The delegation included the technical and administrative staff along with the 27-player squad selected by Queiroz.
The team concluded its second training phase in Muscat on a successful note under an intensive and focused programme. The sessions, held behind closed doors at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, emphasised tactical coordination, attacking precision, and defensive balance.
Upon arrival in Doha, the Red Warriors are scheduled to hold one official training session on Tuesday at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, the venue for their opening Group B clash against Qatar on Wednesday night. This session will be the only opportunity for the team to adapt to the pitch and finalise their tactical setup before kickoff.
Following the Qatar match, Oman will continue preparations for their second encounter against the UAE on Saturday, with training sessions to be held at the Qatar University green fields. This marks Oman’s 10th Asian Qualifiers campaign, and Queiroz’s men will look to replicate their spirited performance from the 2024 Gulf Cup, where Oman earned a memorable 2-1 victory over Qatar — their first in 11 meetings since 2009.