Oman aim for positive start against Iraq

JEDDAH, SEPT 22
Oman national football team enters Gulf Cup 27 with renewed ambitions and a clear target of making a strong impact in the tournament, which is being held in Jeddah from September 23 to October 6.
The Red Warriors will look to produce positive results and go as far as possible as they seek to add another chapter to their proud Gulf Cup history.
Oman will face Iraq at 6:30 pm (Oman time) at Prince Abdullah al Faisal Stadium on Wednesday, while the second Group A match will see hosts Saudi Arabia take on Kuwait at 10 pm at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
Oman have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait. Oman's second match will be against hosts Saudi Arabia on September 26 and third group match against Kuwait on September 29.
BUILDING MOMENTUM
Oman will look to make a positive start against Iraq and build momentum for a strong run in the tournament.
Oman enter Gulf Cup 27 with a proud record in the competition, having lifted the trophy twice — in 2009 on home soil and again in Kuwait in 2017, both titles secured through penalty shoot-outs.
Oman also hold the record for reaching the Gulf Cup final six times since the two-group format was introduced in 2004. Alongside their two titles, the Red Warriors have finished runners-up four times, most recently in Gulf Cup 26 in Kuwait.
On another note, Iraq will look to bounce back from their group-stage exit in the previous edition, despite missing several key players through injury.
Iraq have dominated their Gulf Cup meetings with Oman, winning six of 10 encounters, with the other four ending in draws.
Oman are still seeking their first Gulf Cup victory over Iraq, who most recently beat the Red Warriors 3-2 in the 2023 final after a 0-0 group-stage draw.
MEDIA CENTRE
Hilton Jeddah Corniche is hosting the tournament’s main media centre and press conferences, serving accredited media throughout Gulf Cup 27. On Tuesday, the opening day, four press conferences were held for Oman, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
The media centre also hosted a press conference by the tournament’s Organising Committee, which outlined the final preparations for Gulf Cup 27 and highlighted key organisational, logistical and operational arrangements.
The committee also briefed the media on the facilities provided for the participating teams, match venues and media services, while responding to questions from journalists ahead of the tournament’s opening.
The centre provides media information, transport coordination, hospitality, internet-enabled workspaces and technical support to facilitate coverage by journalists and broadcasters.