Oman’s national football team has announced a 28-player squad ahead of the King’s Cup tournament in Thailand and the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027. Head coach Tarik Sektioui has expanded his pool of players as preparations intensify for these upcoming competitions.
The Red Warriors are scheduled to gather in Muscat from November 5 to 7 for a short domestic training camp before departing for Thailand. This meeting provides Sektioui with a valuable opportunity to evaluate his squad following Oman’s semifinal finish at the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup held recently in Jeddah.
The latest selection sees nine new inclusions compared to the 26-player roster named for the Gulf Cup, while seven players from that tournament have been omitted. Key returning players include Salah Al Yahyaei, who currently plays for Jordan’s Al Faisaly, and winger Abdulrahman al Mushaifri from Kuwait’s Al Qadsia. Defenders Thani al Rushaidi of Al Nahda and Mohammed al Ghafri have also been recalled.
Additional new call-ups are Fahad al Mukhaini, Jawad al Ezzi, Mutasim al Maqbali, Abdulaleem al Rawahi, and Yousef al Shabibi, all vying for positions as the coach continues to finalize his roster for the Asian Cup. Four squad members compete with clubs outside Oman: Al Yahyaei, Al Mushaifri, Nasser al Rawahi of Al Qadsia, and Port FC forward Essam al Subhi. The latter’s experience in Thai football may offer an advantage during the King’s Cup.
Notable absences include Mohsin al Ghassani, Yousef al Malki, and Arshad al Alawi, reportedly sidelined due to injuries.
Oman will open their King’s Cup campaign against Tajikistan on November 14 at Sisaket Provincial Stadium, also known as Ko Klang Nam Stadium, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. Oman time. Later the same day, hosts Thailand will face Brunei in the other semifinal match. The winners will meet in the final on November 17, with the losing teams playing for third place. Brunei replaced Bahrain in the four-team tournament following the latter’s withdrawal. This 52nd edition marks the first time the event is hosted in Sisaket, and both match days fall within the FIFA international window from November 9 to 17.
Oman has also scheduled further friendlies in December, including a home match against Yemen on December 31. A proposed fixture against Iran remains under consideration.
These preparatory activities lead up to the AFC Asian Cup, which takes place from January 7 to February 5, 2027. Oman will compete in Group A alongside hosts Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Palestine. This will be Oman’s sixth appearance at the tournament, having reached the knockout stage once before in 2019. The team aims to advance beyond the round of 16 and reach the quarterfinals for the first time.