Muscat – Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz will lead Oman in the decisive fourth round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the national team aiming for its first-ever appearance in the tournament.

Oman will compete in Group A alongside Qatar and the UAE. The first match is scheduled for October 8 against hosts Qatar in Doha, followed by a face-off with the UAE at the same venue.

Queiroz, 71, has coached Portugal, Colombia, Iran and South Africa, in addition to stints with Real Madrid and as assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. He led Iran to two World Cups and Egypt to the Africa Cup of Nations final in 2021.

Sports analyst Hilal bin Hamad al Mukhaini described Queiroz as a “big name in the world of coaching” with “extensive and diverse experience with international teams”. He told ONA the appointment was an important step but stressed it must be backed by “hard work and sufficient time for the coach to implement his technical ideas”.

Former Oman captain Fawzi Bashir said the appointment was a “successful decision” by Oman Football Association. “He is no stranger to the region, having worked with Gulf clubs and national teams. This gives him an advantage in understanding the nature of the Gulf player,” he said.

Bashir added that the qualifying campaign would require “integrated work from the technical, administrative and medical staff, as well as from the fans”, with the greatest responsibility on the players.

Sports journalist Walid bin Zaher al Abri said the change was needed after recent below-par performances, including a 3-0 defeat to Kyrgyzstan. “When we talk about Queiroz, we’re talking about a coach with a leadership personality and extensive experience.”

Abri explained that Queiroz has the ability to bring a technical shift in the national team, but faces significant challenges, particularly in familiarising himself with the players. “This is complicated by the distinct environment of the Omani team compared to his previous assignments with Iran, Colombia and Egypt – teams with strong leagues and many players active in Europe.”

He added that the Omani league is comparatively underdeveloped and the national team has an older average age, both of which present further challenges for Queiroz to overcome.

According to football coach Nasser bin Mohammed al Hajri, the change came with “some risk” but was necessary. “In my opinion, he is the most suitable. He has sufficient technical experience and understands the game in the Gulf region,” he said, add-ing that assistant coach Hamad al Azani’s knowledge of the players would help bridge Queiroz’s lack of direct familiarity.