All photos by: Mohamed Farag/The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: Qatar were held to a goalless draw by Oman in a cagey opening Group A clash of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers play-offs stage at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Wednesday.
The result means both teams take a point each from their first outing, with Oman set to face the UAE next on Saturday at the same venue. The group will wrap up on October 14 when Qatar take on the UAE, with the top team securing a place in the World Cup to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Qatar head coach Julen Lopetegui will be looking for a sharper performance against the UAE especially in attack after his side fell short of expectations in front of their home fans.
Despite controlling over 70 percent of possession and creating a few chances, the reigning Asian champions couldn’t find a breakthrough against a well-organised Oman side coached by the experienced Carlos Queiroz.
Chances were limited in the match, particularly in the first half. Qatar’s Akram Afif and Pedro Miguel missed promising opportunities in the second, while striker Almoez Ali, returning from injury, had a quiet evening after coming on as a substitute.
Lopetegui, however, expressed his satisfaction after the draw.
“We performed well throughout the match against a stubborn team that defended well and closed down spaces. Despite that, we created several opportunities but couldn’t convert them into goals,” the former Spain and Real Madrid coach said.
“We will continue to pursue our dream of qualifying for the World Cup. Today’s draw against Oman hasn’t negatively impacted the team or added pressure ahead of the UAE match on October 14.”
Veteran forward Hassan Al Haydos, who came out of international retirement specifically for the play-offs, remained on the bench. Meanwhile, Al Rayyan goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada was handed his international debut in place of first-choice Meshaal Barsham, while Ayoub Al Ouwi also made his first appearance for the national team.
“The starting lineup was ideal given the injuries and all the players gave their best to achieve the desired result,” said Lopetegui.
With the 15,000-seater venue nearly packed, Qatar made a lively start in front of their home fans, pressing high from kickoff and looking to seize early control. Edmilson Junior won an early free kick on the left side of the box, but Oman dealt with the threat calmly.
Despite the aggressive start, both teams maintained a cautious approach, clearly aware of the stakes. Qatar continued to press into Oman’s area, but without a cutting edge. Boualem Khoukhi had the first real effort before the 15-minute mark, but his shot from distance went wide.
The pace of the game dipped slightly after Oman’s Jameel Al Yahmadi went off injured. Qatar’s Mohammad Al Mannai received a yellow card during the same sequence. Oman reacted well, and in the 27th minute, Issam Al Sabhi tested Abunada with a low shot to the left corner, which the Qatari keeper handled comfortably.
Oman finished the first half stronger. Substitute Nasser Al Rawahi, who came on for the injured Al Yahmadi in the 29th minute, almost gave Oman the lead with a header that just cleared the bar from a corner kick.
Afif showed some promise in stoppage time with a few sharp moves, but the first half ended goalless.
Lopetegui made a midfield change at the break, bringing on the experienced Abdulaziz Hatem for Al Mannai. Qatar nearly made the perfect start to the second half when Afif beat three defenders after a ball from Assim Madibo, only to shoot wide with just Ibrahim Al Mukhaini to beat.
The Oman keeper was soon tested again, this time saving a long-range strike from Edmilson Junior as Qatar continued to push forward.
In the 57th minute, Almoez came on for Ahmed Al Ganehi as Lopetegui turned to attack. But it was Oman who had the next big chance. Abdullah Fawaz latched onto a poor clearance from Abunada in the 69th minute, with the goal wide open, but his shot from outside the box failed to hit the target.
Qatar responded quickly. Edmilson Junior won a free kick in a promising spot. Afif floated in a dangerous ball, but Miguel’s close-range header missed the mark.
Lopetegui made a double switch in the 78th minute, bringing on Mohammed Muntari for Afif and Tarek Salman for Al Ouwi. Muntari got involved immediately, attempting an overhead kick that went wide, then forcing a save from Al Mukhaini with a shot from the centre of the box.
Despite late pressure from the hosts, Oman – seeking their maiden World Cup appearance – held firm to secure a valuable point and keep their qualification hopes alive.
“We performed well and managed to stop Qatar’s attacks, which we expected given they were playing at home,” said Queiroz.
“We knew the match would be tough, so we played with high spirit. Despite our solid defense, we also created chances but couldn’t score. A draw is the best result for both teams today. A loss would have hurt our chances of World Cup qualification.”
“We don’t have much time before facing the UAE, but we’ll prepare well to keep our World Cup dream alive.”
