Muscat – Muscat will host the 2024 Socca World Cup – a six-a-side football tournament – from November 29 to December 7. Being held for the first time in the Middle East, 40 teams from across the globe will compete.

Waleed al Obaidani, President of Middle East Socca Federation and Director of the organising committee, informed that the teams have been divided into eight groups of five teams each.

The Omani team was selected through local socca tournaments held across the country. The final lineup and coaching staff will be announced soon.

A modern stadium built to international specifications has been constructed at Oman Automobile Association to host the tournament. “This state-of-the-art facility reflects Oman’s commitment to providing an exceptional platform for sports events,” Obaidani said.

Hosting the Socca World Cup is a significant milestone for Oman, underscoring its growing presence in the global sports arena, he added. “The tournament will also feature family-friendly entertainment and cultural activities from 4pm to 11pm daily, creating a vibrant atmosphere for visitors and participants alike.”

Julia Potter, representative of International Socca Federation, praised the sultanate’s efforts, saying, “Oman’s innovative approach and the new stadium, built to global standards, are commendable.”

Oman is placed in Group 1 alongside the US, Italy, Canada and Qatar. Germany, Bulgaria, Georgia, Libya and Serbia are in Group 2, while Group 3 features Greece, Belgium, Cyprus, Kuwait and Iraq. Group 4 consists of Brazil, Egypt, Ireland, Colombia and Iran. Group 5 includes Poland, France, Turkey, Pakistan and Haiti. Group 6 has Mexico, Latvia, Albania, Peru and Australia, while Group 7 comprises Kazakhstan, England, Romania, Uruguay and Sudan. Group 8 includes Croatia, Hungary, Argentina, Tunisia and South Africa.