MUSCAT: The new head coach of Oman’s national football team, Carlos Queiroz, officially announced his first squad on Monday since taking charge of the coaching staff.
The short preparatory domestic training camp is set to take place in Muscat from Wednesday until August 9. This initial gathering will mark the beginning of Oman’s crucial build-up towards the decisive AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 2026 campaign.
The announced list featured some of the emerging young faces, with several players making their senior team debut after impressive performances with the Olympic squad. The squad excluded players from Seeb as they are underway in their participation for the AFC Champions League Two to ensure they remain focused on continental club duties.
Queiroz’s squad announcement followed his active attendance during recent domestic competitions in Salalah. The experienced Portuguese coach closely observed the Salalah four-team tournament, where Al Nahda lifted the trophy after a penalty shootout (4-3) following a 1-1 draw in regular time. Furthermore, he attended the Super Cup clash between Al Shabab and Seeb, which ended 5-4 in favour of Al Shabab after a goalless draw.
This domestic camp will represent a vital phase in Queiroz’s broader strategic plan as he will lead Oman into the fourth and final stage of the AFC Asian Qualifiers for the Fifa World Cup 2026. Oman are placed in Group A alongside hosts Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. All matches in this group are scheduled to be held in Doha from October 8 to 14. Meanwhile, Group B featured Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Indonesia, with their matches to be held in Jeddah.
Coach Queiroz has already expressed his intention to establish a high-performance culture focused on tactical discipline, smart planning and strong team chemistry. Speaking in a recent interview, he described his role as a "great honour" and emphasised the importance of “ambitious preparation, smart goals, and discipline from everyone involved.”
A press conference is scheduled on Tuesday as Coach Queiroz will share further details on his roadmap for Oman’s World Cup ambitions.
Oman squad:
Ibrahim al Mukhaini, Fayez al Rushaidi, Abdulmalik al Badri, Ghanim al Habshi, Ahmed al Kaabi, Thani al Rushaidi, Turki Bait Subaih, Amjad al Harthy, Juma al Habsi, Nayef Bait Subaih, Mahmood al Mushefri, Sameer al Hatmi, Ahed al Mashakeyhi, Harib al Saadi, Hatim al Roushdi, Sultan al Marzooqi, Musab al Mamari, Hussain al Shahri, Jameel al Yahmadi, Mohammed al Ghafri, Osama Majdi, Mohammed Bait Subaih, Ahmed al Riyami, Al Mundher al Alawi and Hamed al Nuaimi.
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