MUSCAT: All eyes in Oman will turn to Doha on Tuesday night for the decisive clash between hosts Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 2026 Playoffs (Group A) which will determine the Red Warriors’ fate in their historic bid to qualify for the Fifa World Cup for the first time. The crucial encounter will kick off at 9:15 pm (Oman time) at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium with high stakes for all three teams in the group. Oman’s dream of reaching the global stage now rests entirely on the result of this final Group A fixture to compete for the playoff spot.
Following their 2-1 defeat to UAE on Saturday, Oman finished their group campaign with one point, after a goalless draw with Qatar in the opening match. The second-placed team from the group will advance to a playoff against the Group B runners-up, with the winner securing a final berth in the 2026 Fifa World Cup which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
UAE will be eyeing for a second appearance at the finals after having made their debut in 1990 while Qatar will look to present in this edition for the second straight attendance after the successful hosting of Fifa World Cup in 2022.
Coach Cosmin Olaroiu side will enter Tuesday's encounter with full confidence after their strong comeback against Oman on Saturday by 2-1. They will play with two chances as the victory and draw will secure them the direct ticket to Fifa World Cup in 2026. Qatar, on the other side, will utilise the fans and home advantages in order to achieve the triumph and book ticket to World Cup.
DISAPPOINTMENT
Oman head coach Carlos Queiroz expressed his disappointment with the result but deep pride in his players following the 2-1 defeat to the United Arab Emirates in their second and final match of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 2026 Playoffs (Group A) which took place on Saturday night at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha.
“I am not happy with the result but I am very proud of my players and what they presented on the field despite all the challenges,” Queiroz said in the post match press conference.
“The players created many scoring opportunities but unfortunately we failed to convert them into goals. The performance deserved a better result.”
The hard-fought loss left Oman with one point from two matches after an opening goalless draw against Qatar. Their hopes of advancing now rest on the outcome of Tuesday’s final group match between Qatar and the UAE. The group winners will qualify directly for the next stage, while the second-placed team will proceed to a playoff against the Group B runners-up — with that winner earning a spot in the Fifa Intercontinental Playoff Tournament.
The Portuguese coach praised his players’ resilience and attitude under difficult conditions.
“We faced major challenges including limited rest time and little opportunity to prepare for this decisive phase,” he said.
“Our players needed more rhythm but that was difficult to achieve. Some of them joined the team just one day before the playoff began.”
Queiroz thanked his squad for their commitment and praised their determination. “I want to thank all the players for their top-level commitment and fighting spirit in every minute of the match. They showed true character and represented Oman with pride. Despite the disappointment, we will keep believing.”
The veteran tactician also congratulated the UAE on their victory. “Congratulations once again to the UAE. They made a strong comeback and we respect that. Oman’s chances are still alive we now look to the UAE’s match against Qatar. If the result goes our way, our dream continues.”
Oman had taken the lead through a Kouame Kouadio own goal before the UAE turned the game around in the final stages with goals from Marcus Meloni and Caio Lucas, securing the comeback win and moving to the top of the group with three points.
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