MUSCAT : As the countdown to the World Cup intensifies, Oman’s squad is gearing up for a crucial encounter against Iraq. The game, set to begin at 8 pm Muscat time, marks the start of the third stage in the final Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Jaroslav Šilhavý, the national team coach, acknowledged the challenge ahead and said, “The match will be difficult, and the first match is always different from the rest of the matches. We are fully prepared, and the players are up to the responsibility, and reaching the World Cup is our primary goal.”

Having topped Group D with 13 points from six games, Oman will face Iraq, who finished first in Group F with a perfect record. Both teams have been drawn into Group B for the next stage, alongside South Korea, Jordan, Kuwait, and Palestine.

In their 29 previous encounters, Iraq leads with 13 wins to Oman’s 6, with 9 matches ending in a draw. The last time these two sides met was in January 2023, when Iraq edged out Oman 3-2 in the Gulf Cup final after extra time.

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