Latest news with #FifaWorldCup2026
Observer
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Observer
Queiroz proud to lead Oman as new coach
MUSCAT: The newly appointed head coach Carlos Queiroz expressed his deep sense of pride and responsibility in leading Oman's national senior football team, calling it a 'great gratitude and huge honour' to be entrusted with such a role. This statement was part of his first official interview published in different channels of the social media accounts of Oman Football Association (OFA) following his appointment and official signing function which took place earlier this week at OFA headquarter in Seeb Stadium. The veteran Portuguese tactician highlighted during the interview passionately about his ambitions, strategic approach and message to Oman's audience and fans. Acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead, Queiroz stated in his initial remarks, 'I understand it is a huge challenge and it is not an easy task. However, it can be better challenge through our work and clear commitment. In my definition, it could be easy and simple as well. At the end of the challenges, you will feel the sweat as the reward after achieving the target through hard work in smart way.' As Red Warriors are gearing up for the decisive final round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to the Fifa World Cup 2026, Queiroz outlined his roadmap to success. ' My plan is to study the current situation thoroughly by reviewing the team, assessing the players, gathering detailed information about our opponents beside building the best preparation plan for our squad. In addition to that, Smart planning, clear goals, team discipline, and ambition will form the core of the best technical strategy, ' he added Coach Queiroz also delivered a heartfelt message to the Omani fans, calling on them to become an active force in the team's journey. 'Be the player No. 12. Wear the national team shirt not only during matches but also during training moments. You are the power behind the team.' Carlos Queiroz, who signed a one-year contract with OFA earlier this week, will bring with him a wealth of global coaching experience. Under his leadership, Red Warriors will enter the forthcoming playoff stage of the Asian qualifiers — Road to 26 with top ambitious as Oman aim for its first-ever appearance at the Fifa World Cup. A press conference has been scheduled for the new coach and his assisting team on August 5 where Coach Queiroz will unveil his full technical program and plans leading up to October's qualifiers.
Observer
3 days ago
- Sport
- Observer
Al Riyami outlines key factors for Oman in Asian Qualifiers
MUSCAT: As the national team gear up for the crucial and decisive phase of the AFC Asian Qualifiers — Road to Fifa World Cup 2026, Veteran football coach Abdulaziz al Riyami shared his in-depth analysis and expectations to Oman Observer for the national team success under newly appointed head coach Carlos Queiroz. The decisive phase will see Oman competing in Group A alongside hosts Qatar and the UAE as the matches scheduled for October in Doha city. Coach al Riyami, experienced in Omani football, affirmed that the appointment of Queiroz could be a game-changer due to the Portuguese coach's extensive international experience. 'Queiroz's proven track record in high-pressure qualifiers will be instrumental in mentally and tactically preparing our squad,' he said. The former coach of Oman Military team highlighted on the key factory that can depended by coach Queiroz. According to al Riyami, the pre-playoff training camp must be well-structured and cohesive to build chemistry and fine-tune the tactical system ahead of the crucial matches which are scheduled in October 8 to 14. ' Queiroz will may introduce a fresh technical and tactical identity for Oman, different from the previous style. Oman will likely adopt either a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation under the new coach. These systems will offer a blend of defensive strength and attacking fluidity. The first formation, 4-2-3-1, will provide defensive stability through two holding midfielders while allowing creative play behind the striker. The second, 4-3-3, emphasizes midfield control and rapid transitions, especially using the wide players,' he explained Coach Abdulaziz al Riyami KEY PLAYERS The Football filed Manager in Bahla club shared his expectations about the players who are likely to be pivotal in the upcoming campaign. ' Queiroz is expected to depend on the experienced players with emerging talents by selecting those who exhibit tactical discipline and a clear understanding of their roles. Goalkeepers including Faiz al Rushaidi may remain the first choice due to his experience though Ibrahim al Mukhaini is another option depending on fitness. In defence, Ahmed al Khamisi and Thani al Rushaidi are expected to anchor the central positions while Amjad al Harthy and Ali al Busaidy will play key roles as full-backs contributing to both defense and attack. In the midfield, Harib al Saadi is likely to play a central role in controlling the tempo, supported by attacking midfielders like Yazid al Maashani or Arshad al Alawi. Creative duties may be taken up by Salah al Yahyaei or Jameel al Yahmadi. In the forward line, Al Riyami pointed to Abdulrahman al Mushaifri, Mohsin al Ghassani, and Issam al Subhi as players who offer pace and versatility, with Omar al Malki or a clinical finisher like al Subhi or al Ghassani possibly leading the attack,' he said. Discussing the playing style, Former coach of Fanja, Al Bashayer, Ahli Sidab, Nizwa, Qurayat and Bahla explained that Queiroz will likely emphasize a compact and well-organised defensive structure starting from the front line. 'Players will be tasked with closing down passing lanes and applying intelligent pressure.
Observer
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman set for WC 2026 playoff draw
MUSCAT, JULY 16 The Oman national football team will learn their fate in the decisive stage of the Fifa World Cup 2026 qualifiers as the playoff round draw will take place on Thursday at 11:00 am (Oman time). The draw which will be held at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) headquarters in Malaysia, will mark the beginning of Oman's last and most crucial push to achieve a historic maiden qualification to the Fifa World Cup. The forthcoming phase of Oman's football will be led by the veteran Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz, who was officially appointed as head coach on Tuesday by the Oman Football Association (OFA). The OFA confirmed the appointment via an official media statement on its social media platforms, expressing confidence in Queiroz's ability to take Red Warriors into new heights. Queiroz, whose illustrious coaching career includes spells with the national teams of Iran, Egypt, Colombia, and South Africa, as well as a tenure as assistant manager of Manchester United, will bring a wealth of tactical international experience. His leadership is expected to be a key factor as Oman prepares to navigate one of the toughest phases in Asian football qualification. He will assisted by the Omani experienced coach Hamed al Azzani who is also in charge of Oman U-19 head coach. The AFC playoff round will feature six teams including: Oman, Indonesia, Iraq, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and UAE as all of them finished third and fourth in their respective groups during the third round of qualification. These teams will be split into two groups of three, with only the group winners earning direct tickets to the Fifa World Cup 2026, to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Each group will play in a single round-robin format hosted at centralised venues. The Qatar Football Association and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation have been confirmed as the official hosts for the playoff stage. The draw pots will be based on Fifa Men's World Rankings as of June 13 as Qatar (53) and Saudi Arabia (58) in Pot one while Iraq (59) and United Arab Emirates (66) will be set at pot two. Oman (79) and Indonesia (118) are in pot three. The playoff set to be held during October 8 to 14 in Doha and Riyadh cities. Carlos Queiroz Oman's fans hopes are high with the new leadership of Carlos Queiroz and the experience of a battle-hardened squad. All the audience will aim that Oman can make a historic breakthrough and join the global elite at the Fifa World Cup for the first time in the history. The two teams which will end as runner-up in their group, they will still have a final opportunity to qualify through a Knockout Stage scheduled for November 13 and 18. The winner of that tie will progress to the Fifa intercontinental Play-Off tournament, offering one last chance at securing qualification.
Observer
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman hunting for historic maiden Fifa WC appearance
MUSCAT: As the highly anticipated draw for the Playoff Round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 approaches, the Oman national football team are preparing for a monumental opportunity to secure their first-ever qualification to the Fifa World Cup. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC), in a recent update on its official website, highlighted that Oman and Indonesia are the only two teams among the playoff contenders aiming to book a historic debut appearance at the Fifa World Cup. Meanwhile, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates will seek their second-ever qualification, and Qatar and Saudi Arabia will aim to make back-to-back appearances in the prestigious global event. The draw for the decisive stage of the Asian qualifiers for Fifa World Cup 2026 will take place on Thursday at 11:00 am (Oman time). Based on the latest Fifa Men's World Rankings published on June 13, Oman will be placed in Pot 3, alongside Indonesia. Qatar and Saudi Arabia, designated as host nations for the two playoff groups will occupy Pot 1 while Iraq and UAE teams are positioned in Pot 2. The playoff format will see the six teams split into two groups of three, with only the group winners progressing directly to the Fifa World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Each group will compete in a single round-robin format, hosted in centralised venues by the Qatar Football Association and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, both of whom were confirmed as Host Member Associations last month. These Playoffs represent the final pathway for six Asian teams after they secured third or fourth place in their respective groups during the third round of AFC qualifiers. Oman, Indonesia, Iraq, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE will now battle for Asia's remaining two direct berths. The journey does not end for group runners-up, as they will face off in a two-legged knockout round scheduled for November 13 and 18. The winner of that matchup will advance to the Fifa Intercontinental Play-Off Tournament, where one final qualification spot will be contested globally. A separate draw will be held after the group stage to determine the home team for each leg of this knockout encounter. Oman's national team, led by head coach Rasheed Jaber, will head into the Playoffs with determination and national pride. By end of August, Oman team will take part in the CAFA (Central Asian Football Association) Nations League 2025, a friendly international tournament which is scheduled from August 26 to September 9, co-hosted by Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Oman has been drawn into Group A alongside hosts Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan, while Group B featured Iran, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Malaysia. Attendance in this friendly event is part of the team's ahead of the main assignment in Asian qualifiers – Roard to 26.
TTG
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TTG
The three things you must include in every itinerary to Kansas City
State-straddling Kansas City (KC to friends) embraces several vibrant districts across Kansas and Missouri. Clients seeking a culturally rich experience in the heart of the US should pay close attention to this authentic, affordable destination, with plenty to tempt food, music and sports fans. In 2026 Kansas City will be in the spotlight as one of the American hosts of the Fifa World Cup 2026, with the area around the National WWI Museum and Memorial set to host the official Fan Festival. In fact, those who follow US sports will be in their element whenever they visit, with American football's Kansas City Chiefs, winners of the 2023 and 2024 Superbowls, among big name local sides and the world's first stadium purpose-built for a professional women's team among landmarks. With KC as part of their itinerary, visitors can also enjoy live performances in the Power & Light District, award-winning restaurants in the Crossroads Arts District, and open-air browsing in the historic River Market area. They might also track down the famous giant shuttlecocks outside The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, an acclaimed and sprawling institution offering free admission daily. But if your clients are new to Kansas City they'll do well to start with its trio of traditional draws: jazz, barbecue and fountains. Unesco-listed jazz From the roaring '20s to the early '40s, jazz reigned supreme in Kansas City. The historic 12th Street was particularly known for its music clubs, which along with its gambling parlours and brothels, earned KC the nickname Paris of the Plains. Today, live jazz endures with an impressive 40 dedicated clubs across the destination and KC is the United States' only designated Unesco City of Music. Your clients may enjoy smooth keyboard performances at Green Lady Lounge or late-night jam sessions at the Mutual Musicians Foundation. They can also learn about local legends including Charlie Parker and other icons such as Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald at the American Jazz Museum in the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District. Barbecue capital
