Brunei replace Bahrain in Oman’s King’s Cup build-up

Oman will join hosts Thailand, Tajikistan and Brunei Darussalam at the 52nd King’s Cup next month after the Football Association of Thailand confirmed Brunei as replacements for Bahrain.
The announcement, issued on October 16, completes the four-team line-up for the international tournament in Sisaket province, which falls within the November 9–17 Fifa international window. The draw and official press conference will take place on Monday, October 19, at the Gallery Hotel in Sisaket.
Thai government publicity lists November 14–17 as the competition dates, distinguishing the tournament itself from the broader international window.
According to the Thai association, Bahrain formally withdrew following changes to their coaching staff, requesting time to reassess their training and match programme for November. The organisers subsequently approached national teams without conflicting commitments, with Brunei accepting the invitation at short notice.
The association identified Brunei as ranked 196th in the world in its announcement. Monday’s draw ceremony is scheduled for 2 pm local time, equivalent to 11 am in Oman.
Bahrain’s withdrawal follows the appointment of Spanish coach Felix Sanchez on October 12. The former Qatar and Ecuador coach succeeded Dragan Talajic after Bahrain’s group-stage elimination from the Gulf Cup. The Bahrain Football Association said Sanchez would begin his duties during the November international break.
For Oman, the trip forms part of preparations for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 under Moroccan head coach Tarik Sektioui, who took charge in March. The tournament will provide another opportunity to assess players and combinations ahead of the continental competition.
The November fixtures offer Sektioui a chance to assess Oman against opponents from different footballing backgrounds before attention turns to their Asian Cup group. With Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Palestine awaiting them, the emphasis will be on finding consistency and turning lessons from the Gulf Cup into a more effective tournament performance.
NEXT ASSIGNMENT
Oman head into their next assignment after reaching the semifinals of the 27th Gulf Cup in Jeddah, where they lost 1–0 to the United Arab Emirates on October 3. Saudi Arabia subsequently claimed the title with a 2–0 victory over the UAE in the final on October 6.
The Asian Cup will run from January 7 to February 5, 2027, with Oman drawn in Group A alongside hosts Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Palestine.
Uzbekistan, Bahrain, DPR Korea and Jordan make up Group B, while Iran, Syria, Kyrgyzstan and China are in Group C. Australia face Tajikistan, Iraq and Singapore in Group D.
Group E comprises South Korea, the UAE, Vietnam and Yemen, while Japan, Qatar, Thailand and Indonesia complete Group F.