Oman will take on Qatar in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday, 8 October, with both teams now in a last-chance saloon situation for a place in the 2026 World Cup next summer.
Both nations, alongside the UAE, will fight it out in Group A, but only one of the three will qualify directly for the finals in the USA, Mexico and Canada, while the runners-up will be forced to play a play-off.
This is the first match of the group stage for both sides, but the fact that they will only play two matches each means it's very much a must-win fixture for both.
As part of this week's round of World Cup qualifying betting tips, check out our Oman vs Qatar prediction below.
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Oman vs Qatar prediction: Expect goals at both ends
Key Stats
- Both teams have scored in three of Qatar's last four matches.
- Both teams have scored in seven of the last eight meetings between these two nations.
- A total of nine goals have been scored across Qatar's last two matches.
Correct score prediction: Oman 1-2 Qatar
Oman are in slightly better form than Qatar, but there is an acceptance that Qatar have more quality and Oman's recent appointment of Carlos Queiroz is unlikely to be enough to make up for that.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Qatar are the favourites
- HOME: 9/2 (5.50) – 18.2%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
- AWAY: 4/7 (1.57) – 63.6%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Oman vs Qatar odds reflect our stance that Qatar are the more likely winners on Wednesday. Ladbrokes have given Oman just an 18.2% chance of winning the match, while Qatar have been given a 63.6% chance of picking up a vital three points.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Advantage Qatar
This will be just the fifth time that these two nations have met in the last decade, which is slightly unusual for two teams playing on the same continent. Qatar have won three of their last four matches against Oman, but did lose the most recent encounter 2-1 in December 2024.
Gulf Cup 24/12/24
Oman
Qatar
FIFA Arab Cup 03/12/21
Qatar
Oman
Asia - World Cup Qualifying 07/06/21
Qatar
Oman
Asia - World Cup Qualifying 15/10/19
Qatar
Oman
International Match 31/12/14
Qatar
Oman
Oman preview: Nothing out of the ordinary from Queiroz
Carlos Queiroz hasn't rocked the boat much with the first Oman squad, with the former Real Madrid manager selecting a very similar group of players to the one that competed in the CAFA Cup last month. If Oman are to pull off a shock win on Wednesday, then striker Issam Al Sabhi will likely play a big part.
Predicted lineup: Al Mukhaini (GK), Mabrook, Al Rushaidi, Al Khamisi, Al Kaabi, Al-Mashaiki; Al Rawahi, Fawaz, Al Busaidi, Al Yahmadi, Al Sabhi
Last five results
- Oman 1-1 India
- Turkmenistan 1-2 Oman
- Oman 2-1 Kyrgyzstan
- Uzbekistan 1-1 Oman
- Palestine 1-1 Oman
Qatar preview: A couple of injury concerns
Qatar also have a former Real Madrid manager in the dugout in the form of Lopetegui, and the Spaniard has a few concerns ahead of this one. Ismail Mohamad has a hamstring injury, while goalkeeper Salah Zakaria is unavailable after undergoing surgery.
Predicted lineup: Barsham (GK), Ali, Pedro Miguel, Khoukni, Al Amin, Salman, Madibo, Afif, Muntari, Fathi, Ali
Last five results
- Qatar 1-4 Russia
- Qatar 2-2 Bahrain
- Qatar 0-1 Lebanon
- Qatar 3-1 Qatar u23
- Qatar 0-3 Udinese
Player to watch: Issam Al Sabhi
Issam Al Sabhi has recent experience of performing well against Qatar, and Carlos Queiroz will be banking on the striker on Wednesday. Al Sabhi scored a brace in his most recent appearance against Qatar, so the Qatari defence will do well to keep him quiet this week.