Oman’s under-15 national football team arrived in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Wednesday to take part in the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival 2026, marking a significant development step for the country’s youth football programme. This event represents the first edition of the tournament, designed to foster growth and competitive experience among emerging players at the international level.
The delegation traveled following an intensive training camp held in Muscat, where the coaching staff concentrated on improving physical conditioning, tactical discipline, and preparing the squad for international competition. The team, led by national head coach Nasser al Mayahi, will compete in Group B alongside Argentina, Algeria, Malawi, Chinese Taipei, and Suriname. Oman’s opening match is set for October 24 against Suriname, followed by games against Malawi and Argentina on October 25. Their group-stage campaign will conclude on October 26 with fixtures against Chinese Taipei and Algeria.
The tournament features teams from across the globe and adopts a development-focused format. Matches will be played as eight-a-side games consisting of two 20-minute halves on smaller pitches. Each team is guaranteed a substantial number of matches, with group-stage outcomes determining placement in one of six competitive tiers for the later stages. The competition will run until October 30, with most matches hosted at the Hovsan Competition Complex and the final tier championships taking place at Baku Crystal Hall.
Oman’s road to the tournament began with a broad selection process, starting with 22 players who were identified through talent scouting in the domestic Youth League and additional trials involving clubs outside the league. The roster was subsequently narrowed to a final squad of 14 players. Team manager Khalid al Wahaibi highlighted the meticulous process of monitoring and assessing players’ progress ahead of the event.
Coach al Mayahi emphasized that the focus extends beyond immediate results. He described the tournament as a platform to establish a cohesive playing style and to nurture a generation capable of advancing through Oman’s national team ranks. "Our main objective is to build an identity for the team and establish the foundations for continuous work," al Mayahi stated during preparations in Muscat. He added that while achieving positive results is important, the broader goal is to develop talent for future progression, particularly toward the under-17 national team.
The final squad includes players such as Sulaiman bin Khalifa al Mufarji, Mohammed bin Ahmed al Araimi, and Muadh bin Moosa al Muharrami, among others. Participation in this tournament offers Oman’s young players exposure to diverse styles of play and the rigors of international competition, providing valuable benchmarks for their growth. The Oman Football Association views this as a critical step in strengthening the country’s youth football infrastructure and laying groundwork for future success at higher age levels.