As the FIFA World Cup 2026 unfolds, several current and former Omani national football team players have expressed their support for different teams while reflecting on the tournament’s significance for Oman’s own football development.

Former Oman international Mohammed Ismail, known for his technical insight, revealed that although Italy remains his favorite team, he will be supporting Spain since Italy failed to qualify. He praised Spain’s modern style and highlighted midfielder Rodri as a key reason for his allegiance. Ismail identified France, Spain, Argentina, and Portugal as the main contenders this year but cautioned against discounting traditional powerhouses such as Germany, England, and Brazil. He noted that the knockout stages would be decisive and are where experience and preparation can define a team’s success. Ismail expressed optimism about Oman’s future prospects, believing that by studying successful national programs, Oman could one day reach football’s premier tournament.

Current striker Mohsin al Ghassani said he is backing Portugal, driven largely by his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, whom he described as a crucial figure for the team’s ambitions. Al Ghassani emphasized the importance of collective teamwork over individual talent as a differentiating factor in World Cup success and pointed to France and Brazil as strong contenders. He urged Oman’s football community to learn from first-time World Cup qualifiers, suggesting that analyzing their preparation and strategies could help Oman’s team, which has come close to qualification on several occasions. Al Ghassani also expressed enthusiasm for the quarter-final phase, often known for dramatic matches, and said he enjoys watching games with friends.

Oman attacker Abdulrahman al Mushaifri voiced his support for defending champions Argentina, citing Lionel Messi as a key reason for his loyalty. He views Spain as the top candidate to win the tournament and sees the passion and commitment shown by successful teams as crucial lessons for Oman’s football future. Al Mushaifri prefers following matches from home and is particularly keen to see how Arab nations perform on the world stage.

Meanwhile, former national team player Khalid al Hajri remains a lifelong supporter of Brazil, citing his admiration for legendary forward Ronaldo.

Collectively, these perspectives reflect a blend of personal preferences for certain teams and players alongside a shared hope that Oman’s football can grow by learning from the World Cup’s global showcase. The players highlighted both the technical and strategic dimensions of the tournament and stressed the importance of teamwork, preparation, and dedication for any nation aspiring to compete at the highest level.