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Our aim is to qualify for 2026 World Cup: Carlos Queiroz

Our aim is to qualify for 2026 World Cup: Carlos Queiroz

Times of Oman7 hours ago
Muscat: Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, head coach of the Oman national football team, expressed his happiness at taking over the task of coaching the national team.
He stressed his full commitment to serving Omani football and will make efforts to achieve the aspirations of the fans in the coming period, most notably qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
During the introductory press conference held on Tuesday at the Oman Football Association headquarters, Queiroz said: 'It is a pleasure to be here today. From the moment I arrived, we began working hard. I believe that our job is not only technical, but also to make the fans happy and instill a sense of pride and belonging, and we will do everything in our power to achieve that.'
The veteran Portuguese coach pointed out that the challenges ahead are not easy, but they are not impossible either, stressing that smart work on the field and full cooperation off it are the key to success in achieving this great goal.
Queiroz revealed the outlines of his preparatory plan for the next phase, which begins with a thorough study of the team and players, covering all physical and technical aspects.
He emphasised that he closely monitors the performance of professional players abroad, has watched all of the national team's recent matches, and has a clear picture of the team's strengths and weaknesses.
He explained that the first stage of preparation will be a training camp in Turkiye, in the absence of Al-Seeb players due to their commitment to the AFC Champions League 2 competition. This will be followed by participation in the Central Asian Championship, which will be hosted by Uzbekistan later.
Queiroz emphasised that technical work alone is not enough, but must be accompanied by a strong commitment from all parties, saying, "We need the cooperation of the fans, the players, and the federation. Discipline, positive behaviour, and work ethic are the foundations upon which we will build our project."
Referring to the upcoming qualifying matches in Group A, Queiroz said: 'I know the Qatari and Emirati teams well. We have talented players, and we have a great opportunity that we must take advantage of.'
He concluded his remarks with a message to the Omani fans, urging them to continue their unwavering support: 'You are our 12th player. Your presence behind us gives us strong motivation, and we promise to live up to the responsibility.'
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