MUSCAT, Oman– Oman has made a significant move in its quest for a maiden World Cup appearance, hiring veteran Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz as its national-team coach on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. The 72-year-old, who famously led Iran to the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, takes over with immediate effect, tasked with guiding Oman through the critical autumn games that will determine their 2026 World Cup destiny.
Queiroz replaces Rashid Jaber, under whom Oman finished fourth in the third round of qualifiers, keeping their World Cup dreams alive. The Oman Football Association stated, “This comes as part of efforts to improve the team’s performances for upcoming games,” signaling their intent to leverage Queiroz’s vast experience.
A High-Stakes Qualification Journey
Oman is one of six countries—alongside Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar—that have reached the fourth round of Asian qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The draw for this crucial fourth round took place on Thursday, July 17, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Oman has been placed in Group A alongside Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, with Group B featuring Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Indonesia.7 The matches for Group A will be hosted in Qatar, while Group B will play in Saudi Arabia.
These fourth-round matches, scheduled for October, will see the six teams divided into two groups of three, playing in a single round-robin format. The two group winners will secure direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Should Oman finish second in their group, they will have one additional chance in November, facing the second-place finisher from the other group in a playoff for a spot in an intercontinental playoff tournament.
Queiroz’s Extensive Pedigree
Queiroz brings a wealth of international coaching experience, having previously managed a host of prominent national teams including Portugal, Egypt, Colombia, and Qatar. His most recent role was with Qatar, from which he was fired in December 2023 after 11 games in charge. Beyond national teams, his resume also boasts a stint as coach of Spanish giants Real Madrid and a successful period as assistant coach under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.
His proven track record in World Cup qualification, particularly with Iran, is a clear indicator of the Oman Football Association’s ambition. With direct qualification matches looming in October, Queiroz’s immediate task will be to instill his tactical philosophy and prepare the team for what promises to be their most significant footballing challenge to date.
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