
Former Real Madrid and Portugal manager Queiroz appointed Oman coach before World Cup qualifiers
The veteran Portuguese tactician led Iran into the 2014 and 2018 World Cups and will take over with immediate effect.
Oman and five other countries — Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar — have reached the fourth round of qualifying.
ALSO READ: Al Nassr signs Jorge Jesus as head coach on one-year contract
From groups of three, the two winners will qualify for the 2026 World Cup next summer in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The fourth-round draw will be on Thursday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The matches are in October. After those, there's one additional round — the second-place finishers square off in November for a spot in a playoff tournament.
'This comes as part of efforts to improve the team's performances for upcoming games,' the Oman Football Association said in a statement.
Queiroz replaces Rashid Jaber, who led Oman to a fourth-place finish in the third round to keep qualification hopes alive.
The 72-year-old Queiroz has also coached Real Madrid, Portugal, Egypt, Colombia and Qatar.
Queiroz was fired as Qatar coach in December 2023 after 11 games in charge.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


India Today
25 minutes ago
- India Today
Thomas Muller joins MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps after Bayern Munich exit
Former Bayern Munich and Germany forward Thomas Muller has signed for Major League Soccer side Vancouver Whitecaps, ending one of the most storied one-club careers in modern football. The 35-year-old, who departed Bayern at the end of last season following the expiry of his contract, joins the Canadian outfit for the remainder of the 2025 MLS deal includes an option to extend Mller's stay as a designated player for the 2026 season - a status that exempts a player's salary from counting towards the club's wage cap. To secure his services, the Whitecaps acquired his MLS discovery rights from FC Cincinnati in exchange for $200,000 (149,000) in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM), $100,000 (75,000) in 2026 GAM, and a conditional $100,000 (75,000) in 2026 GAM. advertisement Muller's move is being hailed as a landmark signing for the Whitecaps, who are currently second in the Western Conference, just one point adrift of leaders San Diego with ten regular season matches remaining. Unlike many European stars who have opted for marquee American markets such as Los Angeles, New York, or Miami, Muller has chosen a path less travelled - one that signals ambition rather than a mere swansong."I'm looking forward to coming to Vancouver to help this team win a championship," Muller said in a statement released by the club. "I've heard great things about the city, but first and foremost I'm coming to win. I've had great conversations with [sporting director] Axel Schuster and [head coach] Jesper Sorensen, and now I can't wait to play in front of the supporters at BC Place."Muller began his journey with Bayern Munich as a youth player in 2000, eventually becoming the face of the club through nearly two decades of unprecedented domestic and European success. He made a club-record 756 appearances, scoring 250 goals and registering 268 assists, while collecting 33 major trophies - including 13 Bundesliga titles, six German Cups, two Champions League titles, two UEFA Super Cups, and two FIFA Club World Muller was capped 131 times for Germany, scoring 45 goals. He was instrumental in their 2014 World Cup triumph in Brazil and won the Golden Boot at the 2010 tournament in South Africa. His tally of ten goals in World Cup finals places him among the top scorers in the competition's final appearance for Bayern came as a substitute in a 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup quarter-finals last month - a fitting curtain call marking his 756th and final match in arrival in MLS also completes something of a full-circle narrative: while Canadian talent Alphonso Davies made the move from Vancouver to Bayern in 2019, Muller now travels in the opposite direction, albeit in the twilight of his German forward will officially join the Whitecaps upon receipt of his international transfer certificate, visa, and work permit. While the move will undoubtedly elevate Vancouver's profile ahead of the city's role as a 2026 FIFA World Cup host, club officials have stressed this is no mere publicity 35, Muller's best years may be behind him, but his influence on and off the pitch - as a leader, a winner, and one of football's most intelligent attackers - could be just the edge Vancouver need in their pursuit of a first-ever MLS Cup.- EndsMust Watch


News18
2 hours ago
- News18
WI Vs PAK: West Indies Announce 15-Member Squad For ODI Series Against Pakistan
Last Updated: West Indies named a 15-member squad for the ODI series against Pakistan in Trinidad, led by Shai Hope. Romario Shepherd returns, aiming to boost their 2027 World Cup qualification. West Indies have announced a 15-member squad for the ODI series against Pakistan, with the three-match tournament scheduled to be played in Trinidad. The squad, led by Shai Hope, includes several young players who have been key for the Windies recently and sees the return of dynamic all-rounder Romario Shepherd. Shepherd is rejoining the West Indies ODI side for the first time since the series against Bangladesh last year. Eighteen-year-old wicket-keeper-batter Jewel Andrew, who debuted in ODIs against Sri Lanka last year, has retained his place after featuring in the ODI series in England earlier this summer. Left-arm pacer Jediah Blades, who earned his first cap against Bangladesh in 2024, has been recalled. Amir Jangoo, who scored a memorable century on his ODI debut against Bangladesh last year, also retains his spot after playing against Ireland in May. The West Indies are coming into the series following a 2-1 T20I series loss at home. Head coach Daren Sammy believes the series provides an opportunity to solidify their qualification for the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. 'Pakistan presents a different test and challenge as we continue our push for automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup," Sammy was quoted as saying. 'While qualifying is our immediate goal, maintaining a winning mentality and team cohesion is essential for long-term success. The upcoming matches against teams like Pakistan, who are ranked higher, provide crucial opportunities to earn valuable ranking points to improve our standing ahead of the World Cup," he added. West Indies are currently ranked 10th in the ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings, while Pakistan are positioned fourth, below India, New Zealand, and Australia. What Is West Indies Squad For Pakistan ODI Series? Shai Hope (c), Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd. view comments First Published: August 06, 2025, 23:13 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Olympic Shooter Ronjan Sodhi Praises Shooting League of India As 'The Right Step Forward'
Last Updated: Ronjan Sodhi, former world number one shooter, praises the Shooting League of India (SLI) launch as a landmark. Scheduled for Nov 20-Dec 2, 2025, SLI aims to boost the sport. Former world number one and Olympian Ronjan Sodhi, a name synonymous with Indian shooting's golden era, has welcomed the launch of the Shooting League of India (SLI), calling it a landmark moment for the sport. As one of India's most decorated trap shooters—with accolades including a World Cup gold with a world record, two silver medals at the Commonwealth Games, and an Asian Games gold—Sodhi believes the league format will fuel the sport's popularity and inspire future generations. 'The league format is something we have been discussing for a long time. With the kind of depth we now have in Indian shooting, this is the right step forward," Sodhi said. 'It's going to be exciting for the fans, great for the young shooters, and much-needed for the sport." The Shooting League of India, scheduled to be held between November 20 and December 2, 2025, will feature eight franchise teams in a fast-paced mixed-team format. Events will include 10M and 25M Pistol, 10M and 50M Rifle (3P), and Shotgun (Trap & Skeet). Teams will compete in a two-pool league stage, with player selection strategically tiered into Elite Champions, World Elite, National Champions, and Junior & Youth Champions to create competitive balance. Drawing parallels with other major Indian sporting successes, Sodhi emphasized the role of visibility and accessibility. 'Kids have to see the sport to be inspired. Neeraj Chopra winning gold caused javelins to sell out across the country overnight. That's the power of visibility," he said. 'When international stars and Indian Olympians shoot together in a televised, high-energy league, it becomes a spectacle people will want to follow—and join." A Call for Sponsors and Stakeholders While praising government support through schemes like Khelo India and the National Centres of Excellence, Sodhi made a strong pitch for corporate involvement. 'You can't expect only the government to fund sport. Shooting has delivered medals consistently—at the Olympics, World Cups, and Asian Games. It is time to give back. Sponsors should see it as a national contribution, not just an investment." Sodhi believes the franchise model can create financial sustainability for athletes. 'Shooting is a long-term sport—athletes can stay competitive for 20+ years. If we support them early with the right structure, they can build stable careers, just like in cricket or kabaddi." On Mental Fortitude and the Power of the Camera Shedding light on the psychological side of the sport, Sodhi highlighted the mental resilience shooting demands. 'In shooting, you hold a gun—you cannot show emotions. You cannot kick the turf or break your bat. You have to internalise everything. That's what makes it the most mentally demanding sport." He also advocated for innovative broadcast elements, like cameras capturing facial expressions. 'At the 2012 Olympics, they zoomed in on our faces. Viewers could see me talking to myself between shots. That kind of intimacy builds emotional connection with the audience." Looking Ahead While not every registered shooter may get a team spot this season, Sodhi sees the league as a movement that will evolve. 'In the beginning, pick your favourite franchise, wear the jersey, cheer for your shooters. That is how fan bases grow. Give it time—it will happen." As the Shooting League of India prepares to host top-tier international and Indian athletes, Ronjan Sodhi's words serve as both a reality check and a rallying cry—for fans, brands, and institutions alike. 'This league has the potential to transform Indian shooting. It's not just about medals anymore. It's about building a culture," Sodhi concluded. tags : Indian shooters indian shooting Olympics ronjan sodhi shooting Shooting League of India shooting news view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.