As Hong’s second opponent Oman lost in an away match in Iraq, the team failed to take its first step toward the 2026 North Korea-China-U.S. World Cup that is co-hosted by Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. Iraq has emerged as the group leader after winning the first match.
Oman, ranked 76th in the FIFA rankings led by head coach Jaroslav Silhabi, lost 0-1 to Aymen Hussein in the 13th minute of the first round of Group B of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup against Iraq (55th) at Basra International Stadium in Basra, Iraq on the 6th (Korea time).
Iraq has become the leader of the group after winning its first win. Depending on the outcome of the Jordan-Kuwait match, the team could maintain its lead or lose ground. Oman started its third qualifying round at the bottom of Group B for now.
The Iraqi team is led by Jesus Casas, who was also a candidate for the Korean national team’s leadership in the first half of this year. Iraq played in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Jalal Hasan Hakim defended the goal, while Hussein Ali, Zayed Tahshin, Levine Sulaka, and Merzas Doski formed the back four. Osama Rashid and Amir Almari supported the waist, while Ibrahim Bayesh, Ali Jasim, and Youssef Amin were at the second line. Aymen Hussein was the one-top forward.
Oman also faced off with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Ibrahim Almucaini wore goalkeeper gloves, while Ali al-Busaidi, Mohammed al-Mussalami, Ahmed al-Khamish and Abdul Aziz al-Shamshi defended. Arshad al-Alaoui and Harib al-Sadi were in the third line, while Abdulrahman al-Mushaifri, Jamil al-Hamadi and Isam al-Sabhi worked together in the second line. The front-line one-top was Mohamed Algafri, who was aiming to score.
Iraq scored the first goal. Iraq scored the first goal through a set piece in the 13th minute of the first half. Hussein scored a goal from his own corner kick with a header with a high RBI. Hussein, a tall striker who showed strong performance by scoring a goal in the quarterfinal match against Japan at the Qatar Asian Cup in February, did his part again this time.
Oman also launched a counterattack. However, the goal was not easily opened. Al-Sabhi’s right footed shot inside the box was blocked by the goalkeeper in the 24th minute of the first half. The mid-range shot that came out three minutes later also went straight to the goalkeeper, swallowing regret.
Iraq ended the first half with a one-goal lead as it well blocked Oman’s offensive.
The second half was also dominated by Oman as the country actively pursued an equalizer. However, Oman failed to create decisive opportunities and failed to balance its points. To make matters worse, Al-Alaoui was sent off due to accumulated warnings and fell into numerical inferiority in the second half’s stoppage time, and the match ended with a one-goal victory for Iraq. 메이저사이트
“We played well, but we were unlucky. The result could have been better. We at least deserved a draw. I want to thank the players for their hard work throughout the match,” Silhaby said after the match. “Iraq scored using a corner kick. We brought the mood of the match but failed to score. Losing doesn’t mean we can be pushed out of the competition. We didn’t get three points, but we will bring it back next time.”