Carlos Queiroz appointed Oman boss with target of first World Cup appearance | OneFootball

Carlos Queiroz has been officially confirmed as new coach of the Oman national team, ahead of a crucial series of World Cup qualification matches this autumn.

Well-travelled boss Queiroz, 72, takes charge of the Middle Eastern nation as they hope to secure a place in their first-ever World Cup in the United States next year.

Queiroz has been out of work since leaving his post with Qatar at the end of 2023 after just thirteen matches in charge. With vast experience in international football, Queiroz led Iran in three World Cups: 2014, 2018 and 2022, racking up 106 games at the helm during an impressive spell in Persia.

Having coached Sporting, Real Madrid, NY/NJ Metrostars and Nagoya Grampus Eight at club level, Queiroz has spent most of his managerial career in international football. Aside from his long tenure with Iran, there were also periods in charge of Portugal, South Africa, Colombia and Egypt, before the brief stint with Qatar.

Queiroz’ last four roles, with Colombia, Egypt, Iran (for a second time) and Qatar have all been short-lived, with just 45 matches in total across the quartet of countries. With Egypt, Queiroz suffered the heartbreak of losing the African Cup of Nations final in 2021, where his team were beaten by Senegal in a penalty shootout in Cameroon.

Oman’s hopes of reaching the World Cup focus on the AFC Fourth Round of qualification, to take place in October. Six teams – Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia and Oman - will be drawn into two groups based on seeding. The winners of each group will qualify for the World Cup, whilst the runners-up will advance to the Fifth Round and meet in a play-off in November to decide who joins them in the United States next summer.