MUSCAT : The match will take place at the Paradise Arena sand stadium in Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, which is hosting the global tournament from May 1 to 11.

The match marks the beginning of Oman’s journey in a tough group that includes powerhouses Brazil and El Salvador. Backed by a stellar run of form — including a runner-up finish in the Asian Cup and a Gulf Cup victory — the Omani squad is aiming for a strong start that could set the tone for a historic tournament run.

National coach Talib Bin Hilal Al Thani has emphasized the team’s physical readiness and mental focus, expressing confidence in his players’ ability to navigate the pressure of top-tier competition. The 14-member squad includes standout players like Younis Al-Owaisi, Abdullah Al-Souti, Muslim Al-Arimi, and Salem Al-Arimi, among others.

The team arrived in Seychelles on April 23 and wasted no time ramping up its preparations. Intensive training sessions focused on both tactical sharpness and physical conditioning. The squad also gained valuable match experience through two friendlies — a narrow 4-3 win over host Seychelles and a 1-3 loss to Paraguay.

The World Cup features 16 teams divided into four groups of four. The top two from each group will move on to the knockout rounds — quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final.

The tournament kicked off today with Japan facing Guatemala, followed by Iran clashing with Mauritania. Other key matchups include Portugal vs. Paraguay, and host Seychelles battling Belarus. Tomorrow’s fixtures will see Chile meet Tahiti, Brazil take on El Salvador, and a highlight clash between Spain and Senegal.

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