Iraq triumphs over Oman to go second in World Cup qualifying group

NEWSROOM — Iraq secured a 1-0 victory over Oman in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat on Tuesday night. Youssef Ameen scored the decisive goal in the 36th minute of the first half.

The win moved Iraq to second place in Group B following the sixth round of the Asian qualifiers. The victory over Oman, coupled with a draw between Jordan and Kuwait, boosted Iraq’s points total to 11, just behind South Korea, which leads the group with 14 points. Jordan currently sits in third place with 9 points. Four rounds remain in the qualifiers, with the top two teams from each group earning direct qualification to the World Cup.

Iraq’s national soccer team coach, Jesús Casas, defended his decision to rotate the squad following the victory. Casas explained that changing half the starting lineup from the previous match was a calculated move based on the specific conditions of each game, not a gamble. He warned that the path ahead would be more challenging.

“It was an important victory and a tough match as expected. We are pleased that our performance was better than in the previous game, and we managed to control possession more effectively,” Casas said during a post-match press conference. “The upcoming matches will be even harder, and we aim to always achieve victory.”

Casas emphasized his trust in the squad, saying, “In football, solutions vary. Every player must feel responsible and understand their importance to the team. The substitutes are no different from the starters for me, and injuries sometimes force changes. Today, we made six changes compared to the last match, which shows our confidence in the players.”

Youssef Ameen, who scored the winning goal, was named Player of the Match. “I’m happy with the win and we implemented the coaching staff’s instructions, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the game. The award was a result of the efforts of all my teammates on the field,” he said.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani congratulated the team in a phone call after the match. He praised the players and coaching staff for their efforts and directed that the delegation be honored for their achievement. Al-Sudani also commended the work of the Iraq’s soccer association and stressed the importance of continued dedication in the critical matches ahead, according to a statement from his media office.