AFC Asian Cup
Drawn alongside hosts Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Palestine in Group A, the West Asian side will aim to build on their experience and challenge for a place beyond the Round of 16 for the first time.
Factfile
FIFA Ranking: 81
Previous appearances: 5
First appearance: 2004
Best finish: Round of 16 (2019)
2023 result: Group stage
How they qualified: Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 Group D winners
Group A fixtures - Jan 8 v Kuwait, Jan 12 v Saudi Arabia, Jan 17 v Palestine
Fun fact: Oman collected four points on their AFC Asian Cup debut in 2004, including a draw against Islamic Republic of Iran and victory over Thailand, but still missed out on the knockout stage.
FIFA Ranking: 81
Previous appearances: 5
First appearance: 2004
Best finish: Round of 16 (2019)
2023 result: Group stage
How they qualified: Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 Group D winners
Group A fixtures - Jan 8 v Kuwait, Jan 12 v Saudi Arabia, Jan 17 v Palestine
Fun fact: Oman collected four points on their AFC Asian Cup debut in 2004, including a draw against Islamic Republic of Iran and victory over Thailand, but still missed out on the knockout stage.
Oman’s first appearance at China 2004 offered an encouraging glimpse of their potential, with a narrow defeat to Japan followed by a 2-2 draw against Iran and a 2-0 win over Thailand leaving them finishing third in their group.
Further group stage exits followed in 2007 and 2015 before Oman finally made their breakthrough at UAE 2019, defeating Turkmenistan 3-1 in their final group match to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
Their maiden knockout stage appearance ended against Iran in the Round of 16 and hopes of another run were dashed at Qatar 2023, where a late equaliser in their concluding 1-1 draw with Kyrgyz Republic left Oman with two points and an early exit.
Further group stage exits followed in 2007 and 2015 before Oman finally made their breakthrough at UAE 2019, defeating Turkmenistan 3-1 in their final group match to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
Their maiden knockout stage appearance ended against Iran in the Round of 16 and hopes of another run were dashed at Qatar 2023, where a late equaliser in their concluding 1-1 draw with Kyrgyz Republic left Oman with two points and an early exit.
.jpg?w=2400&q=80)
Qualification for Saudi Arabia 2027 was more assured, with Oman registering four wins and a draw to top their Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 group ahead of Kyrgyz Republic, Malaysia and Chinese Taipei.
A 3-0 victory against Chinese Taipei secured their ticket with a match to spare, before a 1-1 draw against Kyrgyz Republic confirmed top spot with 13 points.
With Tarik Sektioui at the helm, Oman will look to turn qualification into a stronger showing at the Finals.
A 3-0 victory against Chinese Taipei secured their ticket with a match to spare, before a 1-1 draw against Kyrgyz Republic confirmed top spot with 13 points.
With Tarik Sektioui at the helm, Oman will look to turn qualification into a stronger showing at the Finals.
