MUSCAT : The high-stakes encounter kicks off at 8:00 PM on Thursday, with the Reds aiming to snatch a vital three points to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Currently sitting fourth in Group B with 10 points from eight matches, Oman trails behind Jordan (13 points), Iraq (12), and group leaders South Korea (16). Only the top teams will secure direct qualification to the World Cup, set to take place in the United States and Mexico.

National team coach Rashid Jaber expressed cautious optimism at a press conference, stating, “The match against Jordan will not be easy, and we are looking for a positive result. All the players are ready for the match. The small details determine the fate of the match, along with the players’ efforts on the field.”

Oman’s preparation included a focused internal training camp and two recent friendly wins—4-1 over Niger and 1-0 against Lebanon—building momentum ahead of the home fixture. The team is counting on their fighting spirit and the backing of a passionate home crowd.

The head-to-head history between Oman and Jordan adds further intrigue. The two sides have met nine times in continental tournaments, with Jordan winning three of the last five encounters, including a commanding 4-0 victory in the first leg of the qualifiers.

Tomorrow’s match will be officiated by a Saudi refereeing team led by Khaled Al-Turais, supported by assistants Hisham Al-Rifai and Abdul-Rahim Al-Shammari, with Faisal Al-Harbi as fourth official. Video Assistant Referee duties will be handled by Sultan Al-Harbi, alongside Ibrahim Al-Dakhil.

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