Muscat: The achievement capped an impressive campaign at the FIFAe Continental Championship Asia 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where Oman emerged among the continent’s leading Rocket League teams. FIFAe’s official competition format allocated two direct World Cup places to Asia, with the third-placed Asian side advancing to a playoff against Oceania for another berth.
Oman was represented by Sultan Al Balushi, Noah Al Mahmoudi and Abdullah Al Amri, under Dutch coach Overmeer. The national team had earned its place in the continental championship following three qualifying weeks in the FIFAe Nations League.
After progressing from the group stage in Kuala Lumpur, Oman produced a commanding performance in the knockout rounds, defeating India 4-0 in the quarterfinals to reach the semifinals. Their bid for a direct World Cup berth was halted by Australia, which defeated Oman 4-0.
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Oman responded strongly in the third-place match, sweeping hosts Malaysia 4-0 to claim the bronze medal and secure a place in the Intercontinental Playoff.
The Sultanate then faced New Zealand with a World Cup place at stake. Oman delivered when it mattered most, sealing a 4-2 victory to officially qualify for the global tournament. Competition records confirm Oman finished third in the Asian championship before winning the playoff against New Zealand.
The qualification marks Oman’s second consecutive appearance at the FIFAe World Cup, underlining the continued growth of competitive gaming in the Sultanate.
Engineer Saba bint Saeed Al Busaidi, Head of the Omani Committee for Games and Electronic Sports, described the qualification as an important milestone for the country.
“The qualification of the Sultanate of Oman’s national team to the World Cup for the second time in a row is an achievement we are proud of, and an important milestone that confirms the development that electronic sports are witnessing, and the capabilities that the Omani player possesses that qualify him to compete at the highest levels,” she said.
She added that the success was the result of continued efforts to develop national teams, improve technical readiness and strengthen Oman’s presence at regional and international competitions.
