The Oman vs Qatar matchup is more than just a football match – it’s a clash between pride and ambition.
Over the years, this fixture has grown into one of the Gulf region’s most compelling battles, fueled by competitive duels in the Gulf Cup and Asian Cup.
With the expanded slots available for Asia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, both sides view this latest matchup as a crucial turning point in their bid to represent the region on the world stage.
The teams’ October 8, 2025, AFC (Asian Football Confederation) qualifying match at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium adds to the latest chapter of what promises to be an epic showdown.
Explore World Cup tickets, schedules, and details about qualified teams as the race to fill the AFC qualifiers heats up.
Qatar vs Oman head-to-head history
| Total | Oman wins | Qatar wins | Draws | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Matches | 16 | 3 | 11 | 2 |
| Total Score | 41 | 17 | 24 | |
| Home Stadium | 7 | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| Away Stadium | 10 | 0 | 3 | 7 |
| International Friendlies | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Arabian Gulf Cup | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC) | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| WAFF Arab Cup | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Source: AiScore.com
Oman vs Qatar: How did their matchup start?
The Oman vs. Qatar fixtures became a reality only after both sides worked on their rosters, dating back to the Gulf Cup tournaments they participated in during the 1970s.
Transfermarkt reported that the first Oman vs. Qatar fixture took place on January 13, 1989, with both sides settling for a scoreless draw.
Qatar recorded its first win over Oman in a World Cup qualifying match on February 3, 1989, when the Qatari side, known as Al-Annabi (the Maroons), took a 3-0 victory.
On the other hand, Oman claimed its first win in the matchup at a Gulf Cup match on January 11, 2004, when Al-Ahmar (the Reds), as the team is nicknamed, took a 2-0 decision.
This fixture captures attention as it represents Gulf pride, where national identity and sporting excellence meet.
See also:
- FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Asia: AFC’s road to greatness
- FIFA World Cup CONCACAF Qualifiers: race for greatness begins
- FIFA World Cup qualifiers Africa: History and what lies ahead
- 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification (UEFA): Expect the Unexpected
- FIFA World Cup qualifiers CONMEBOL games: Rivalries renewed
- World Cup team base camp: What this means to every team
- FIFA World Cup 2026 draw date: What it means for U.S., global football
- Top 10 FIFA World Cup records: Milestones that may stand forever
- World Cup history: Past winners, memorable moments and records
- FIFA World Cup 2026 hospitality packages revealed, Here’s what on Offer
Oman’s memorable moments in international tournaments
Although Oman has not yet reached the FIFA World Cup, their journey through qualifiers and regional tournaments is marked by remarkable moments, setting the stage for their current ambitions.
The Al-Ahmar (the Red Warriors), also known as the Omani national team, reached the pinnacle of their success at the 2009 Gulf Cup of Nations, where they defeated Saudi Arabia 0-0 (6-5 on penalties) in the finals.
That victory remains as one of the proudest achievements in Oman’s football history.
In the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, Al-Ahmar missed out on reaching the main edition in Brazil by just a few points.
Additionally, Oman’s performance in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup underscored their growth, as they advanced to the knockout stage for the first time.
Qatar’s memorable moments in international tournaments
Qatar’s football journey has been defined by steady growth, culminating in a historic triumph at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.
Under coach Felix Sanchez, Al-Annabi (the Maroons), Qatar’s national team, stunned Japan 3-1 in the final on February 1, 2019, to win the title.
Qatar’s role as hosts of the 2022 FIFA World Cup was another turning point, as it tested itself against the world’s best.
However, Al-Annabi’s constant presence in the later stages of AFC qualification reflects the development of their football program.
Additionally, Qatar’s blend of regional dominance and international exposure allows it to gain an edge in matchups like its upcoming showdown against Oman.
Past head-to-head results (select)
| Date | Competition | Home team | Away Team | Winner | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 8, 2025 | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (AFC) | Oman | Qatar | ||
| December 24, 2024 | Gulf Cup | Oman | Qatar | Oman | 2-1 |
| December 3, 2021 | FIFA Arab Cup | Qatar | Oman | Qatar | 2-1 |
| July 6, 2021 | FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Asia | Oman | Qatar | Qatar | 1-0 |
| October 15, 2019 | World Cup Qualifiers Asia | Qatar | Oman | Qatar | 2-1 |
| November 23, 2014 | Gulf Cup | Oman | Qatar | Qatar | 3-1 |
| January 8, 2013 | Gulf Cup | Qatar | Oman | Qatar | 2-1 |
| January 14, 2009 | Gulf Cup | Oman | Qatar | Oman | 1-0 |
| December 16, 2004 | Gulf Cup | Qatar | Oman | Qatar | 2-1 |
| January 11, 2004 | Gulf Cup | Oman | Qatar | Oman | 2-0 |
Source: Transfermarkt
Oman vs Qatar: Which team comes out on top?
The Oman vs Qatar prediction chatter will just go up in what promises to be one of the tightly contested qualifying match the October 2025 matches have to offer.
Being the host of the upcoming duel, Al-Annabi are the favorites, aside from their attacking talent and experience from past international tournaments.
Qatar has gotten Oman’s number in their last 10 head-to-head matchups, winning four times and forcing five draws.
Meanwhile, Oman coach Carlos Querioz will rely on a locally based squad, as most of his professional players are committed to their clubs abroad.
However, the Spanish coach hopes his team’s six-day camp will boost his players, as most of them return from a stint at the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
Oman vs Qatar stats
| Oman | Stat type | Qatar |
| 0.00 | Red Cards | 0.00 |
| 1.00 | Yellow Cards | 3.00 |
| 0-0-2 | Record | 2-0-0 |
| 1-1 | O/U (Over/Under) | 1-1 |
| 1.00 | Goals Scored | 3.00 |
| 0 | Clean Sheets | 1 |
| 1 | Failed to Score | 0 |
| 8.50 | Shots | 14.00 |
| 4.50 | Corners | 5.00 |
Source: Odds Shark
Qatar vs Oman: What does its impact on the AFC World Cup qualifiers mean?
While Qatar vs Oman remains a key Gulf fixture, the former’s domination of the latter in their recent matches could signal the same trend in their October 2025 duel.
The collision between the two squads could define the trajectory of both sides.
This comes as the road to the 2026 World Cup gets more intense, with Asia, Europe, and African qualifiers in full swing.
Al-Annabi hopes to sustain their winning run while playing before their home fans as they close in on a World Cup appearance.
Players to watch in Oman vs Qatar fixture
Both Oman and Qatar boast exciting talents who could define their October 2025 matchup.
One of the standouts is 25-year-old Arshad Al-Alawi, a 5-foot-11 midfielder who has been instrumental for Oman in their recent campaigns.
There’s also Muhsen Al-Ghassani, the 28-year-old forward who registered 22 goals in 27 pro matches in his career.
For Qatar, Almoez Ali and Akram Afif are the two of the team’s top players.
There’s also rising Qatari defender Homam Ahmed, a 26-year-old left-back who provides his team’s backline resistance.
Oman vs Qatar: In retrospect
The Oman vs Qatar fixture is a microcosm of Gulf football – passionate, competitive, and rooted in regional pride.
While Qatar has the current upperhand in their head-to-head duels, Oman’s steady rise ensures that this matchup will carry more weight in the future.
The teams’ October 8, 2025, qualifier represents more than just three points – Qatar is out to consolidate its status as one of Asia’s elites.
On the other hand, Oman wants to prove they’re not just a stepping stone to any team.
As the road to 2026 continues, Oman vs Qatar is a battle that reflects Asia’s broader football journey and the growing strength of the AFC.
Visit our FIFA World Cup 2026 website for the latest football news, essential updates, and unbeatable tips to plan your perfect World Cup adventure.
