Decisive clashes in 2026 Government Institutions Round of 16

MUSCAT: The 2026 Government Institutions Eight-a-Side Football Championship, organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, witnessed intense and thrilling competition in the Round of 16, with matches refusing to be settled easily. Several encounters were decided by penalty shoot-outs to determine the teams advancing to the quarterfinals.
In one of the standout matches, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth recorded a comprehensive 5–0 victory over the National Centre for Statistics and Information, underlining their technical readiness and early dominance.
The Ministry of Finance secured qualification after a tough encounter against Muscat Municipality, which ended 1–1 in regular time, before the Ministry of Finance prevailed 5–3 on penalties.

In another exciting clash, the Central Bank of Oman drew 0–0 with the Ministry of Education (A), with the tie decided by penalties, where the CBO emerged victorious 4–3 in a match marked by strong defensive discipline and limited chances.
The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology also booked their place after edging past the Ministry of Labour with a 2–1 win in a closely contested match that went down to the final minutes.
Meanwhile, the Royal Court Affairs continued their impressive run, earning a convincing 3–0 victory over the Environment Authority, confirming their strong presence in the knockout stages.

In a match that went the distance, the State Audit Institution and the Supreme Judicial Council drew 2–2, before the Council of the judiciary secured qualification with a 5–4 win on penalties.
Royal Court Affairs also defeated the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism 4–1, with teamwork and attacking efficiency proving decisive.
The Round of 16 concluded with a narrow 1–0 victory for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources over the Authority for Regulating Public Services, in a match characterised by defensive caution until the final whistle.

The quarterfinal matches of the 2026 Government Institutions Eights Football Championship take place on Wednesday at Al Amal Club featuring decisive encounters. Ministry of Education (A) face the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology meet the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the State Audit Institution take on Royal Court Affairs and the Royal Court Affairs clash with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, in winner-takes-all battles for a place in the semifinals.