MUSCAT, OCT 15
Oman’s national under-17 football team are set to begin their campaign at the Gulf Cup U17 Qatar 2026, with head coach Ahmed bin Salim Bait Said highlighting the value of the competition as the young Red Warriors continue their development ahead of upcoming continental assignments.
Speaking at the pre-tournament press conference in Doha, Bait Said thanked Qatar for hosting the championship and for the warm reception extended to the participating teams. He said Oman had completed a series of domestic training camps and friendly matches as part of their preparation programme, while their recent participation in the West Asian U17 Championship in Jordan had provided the squad with valuable competitive experience.
The coach also welcomed the inclusion of China and Egypt in the expanded Gulf competition, saying their presence adds further technical value and exposes the regional teams to different footballing styles.
Oman will have an early opportunity to experience that challenge when they open their campaign against China on October 19 at Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium. Bait Said said the technical staff are looking to gain maximum benefit from the encounter, particularly as China arrive with a squad featuring several new players.
The Oman players arrived in Doha on Wednesday after completing their final domestic camp in Muscat, which ran from October 9 to 14. A 23-player squad has travelled for the tournament as Oman look to produce an improved showing following their recent West Asian campaign.
Oman have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and China. Defending champions Saudi Arabia lead Group B, which also includes Iraq, Kuwait, Yemen and Egypt. The second edition features a record 10 teams and 23 matches from October 16 to November 4.
After meeting China, Oman will face the UAE on October 22 at Grand Hamad Stadium before taking on hosts Qatar at the same venue on October 25. Their final group match will be against Bahrain on October 28 at Saoud bin Abdulrahman Stadium.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals on November 1, while the final will take place at Grand Hamad Stadium on November 4.
The tournament also forms an important part of Oman’s preparations for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 Qualifiers, which will follow shortly afterwards. Oman will host their qualifying group in Salalah in November as the team targets a place in the continental finals.
