Oman team under pressure ahead of Asian beach soccer

MUSCAT, SEPT 5
Oman’s beach soccer team is currently facing time pressure and lack of motivation to prepare for the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2026, which will also serve as the qualification event for the 2027 Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup.
With the continental championship scheduled for November 18–28 in Thailand, Oman’s preparations are yet to begin, with the current plan understood to start with an internal camp in early October. This would leave the team with just over a month to complete its preparation programme before heading into a tournament that carries major importance for Oman’s ambitions of returning to the world stage.
According to a private source close to the team who spoke to Oman Observer, the proposed preparation programme will begin with an internal camp from October 6 to 12, followed by an overseas camp in Belarus from October 13 to 19, where Oman is expected to play two friendly matches against Belarus and the UAE. The team would then return to Oman for another internal camp from October 25 to November 11, with Saudi Arabia expected to be present in Muscat for part of the preparation period. Oman will travel to Thailand on November 12 ahead of the Asian Cup. The draw for the competition is scheduled for September 10.
“The upcoming Asian tournament is very significant because it is also the qualifier for the 2027 Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup,” the source said. “The preparations are not started yet, and the planned programme is expected to begin in early October. The preparation period is therefore quite short considering the importance of the competition.”
STRONG ASIAN COMPETITION
The timing is a particular concern given that several of Asia’s leading beach soccer nations have already begun their preparations. Only three spots are available for Asia in the 2027 Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Iran, Japan and the UAE are among the teams expected to compete strongly for Asian qualification places, with several having already arranged internal and overseas camps.
“I am concerned about the team’s preparation because many of the other Asian teams have already started their programmes, including internal and external camps,” the source said. “This can have an impact on the players’ readiness. We need to maintain Oman’s strong presence in Asian and international beach soccer.”
Oman will enter the Asian Cup with considerable experience and expectations. The team currently occupies 10th position in the latest world rankings of September, underlining its status as one of the established sides in international beach soccer.
The upcoming tournament is particularly important after Oman’s recent success at the sixth Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, in April, where the team claimed the silver medal. Oman had reached the final before losing 6-2 to Iran, securing their place among the continent’s leading beach soccer teams.

MOTIVATION ALSO IMPORTANT
While preparation remains the immediate priority, player motivation has also become an important consideration following the team’s Asian Beach Games achievement in China last April. The players are still awaiting the financial rewards associated with their silver-medal success, according to the source. The issue, however, is viewed in the context of the wider process for recognising sporting achievements rather than as a criticism of any particular authority.
“The Oman Football Association recently honoured the players for their Asian achievement, and we appreciate that support,” the source said. “We understand that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth’s recognition of sporting achievements made during 2026 will take place during the annual ceremony in 2027.”
“However, the players need motivation and encouragement ahead of this important tournament. They worked hard to finish second in Asia at the Asian Beach Games, and maintaining that motivation is important as we prepare for the next challenge.”
Oman’s latest international appearance came at the 2025 Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup in Seychelles, where the team had participated in its sixth world championship. Oman had opened their campaign with a 7-4 defeat against Italy before drawing 4–4 with El Salvador and winning the match through a penalty shootout. However, the result was not enough to secure qualification for the knockout stage. Oman then suffered an 11–1 defeat against eventual world champions Brazil in its final Group D match. The experience nevertheless provided another opportunity for Oman’s players to compete against the world’s best.
With the 2027 World Cup qualification pathway beginning in Thailand, Oman face another demanding challenge. The team’s ability to maximise its limited preparation period, ensure player readiness and build on its recent Asian Beach Games success could prove crucial in determining whether Oman extend its long-standing presence on the world beach soccer stage.