Oman U15s kick off WC campaign with big win

MUSCAT, OCT 24
Oman’s under-15 national football team made an impressive start to their campaign at the inaugural Fifa U15 World Cup and Festival 2026, recording a convincing 4-0 victory over Suriname in their Group B opener in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Saturday.
Al Yazan bin Talal al Rashdi led Oman’s scoring with a brace, while Muadh bin Moosa al Muharrami and Ali bin Qasim al Habsi added one goal each to complete a memorable victory for the young national side in its first appearance at the global tournament.
The result earned Oman their opening three points and placed them at the top of Group B on goal difference following the first round of matches. Malawi opened their campaign with a 3-2 victory over Chinese Taipei, while Algeria edged Argentina 1-0.
Led by national head coach Nasser al Mayahi, Oman delivered a disciplined performance and successfully converted their attacking opportunities while maintaining a clean sheet. The four-goal victory reflected the team’s encouraging preparations and ability to adapt quickly to the tournament’s distinctive playing format.
OMAN FACE MALAWI, ARGENTINA NEXT
The competition is played eight-a-side on reduced-size pitches, with each match consisting of two 20-minute halves. The format is designed to provide young players with more involvement in matches, greater contact with the ball and increased exposure to different tactical situations.
Oman will face a demanding schedule on Sunday, playing two matches on the same day. They will meet Malawi at 12:45 pm before taking on Argentina at 7:30 pm, with both matches carrying considerable importance in determining the team’s position ahead of the second phase.
The Young Reds will then conclude the qualification stage on Monday with two further matches against Chinese Taipei and Algeria. The results from the opening phase will determine Oman’s placement in one of six competitive tiers for the tournament stage, ensuring that every participating team continues playing until the final matchday.
Oman travelled to Azerbaijan with a 14-player squad following several stages of preparation and an extensive talent-identification programme. The technical staff initially selected players through the domestic Youth League before conducting additional trials involving youngsters from clubs not participating in the competition.
The wider group was gradually reduced to the final squad after a series of camps in Muscat, during which the coaching staff focused on fitness, tactical discipline, teamwork and helping the players understand the responsibility of representing the Sultanate of Oman.
The commanding opening victory provides Oman with early confidence, but the remaining group matches will present contrasting tests against teams representing different footballing schools. With four qualification matches still to play, the Young Reds will look to build on their positive start while continuing to gain valuable experience on the international stage.