Did You Know? Soccer is the Most Popular Sport in Oman

Oman, a country in the Middle East, is best known for its terraced orchards and mosques. In recent years, Oman’s rich heritage has attracted various people, including athletes. 

Do you know that Omani people love traditional and modern sports? People in Oman love to play various kinds of sports, including Basketball, Soccer, Hockey, Volleyball, and Swimming. Do you know that soccer is the most popular sport in Oman? Yes, you heard it right! Omani people have immense love for soccer.

Soccer in Oman

The Oman Football Association is the governing body of soccer in Oman. The Oman Football Association is also a member of the Asian Football Confederation. The Oman national football team represents Oman in international soccer competitions. 

The Oman Football Association administers the national football team and the Omani League in the country. 

Soccer is also the most watched sport in Oman. Whenever the Oman national football team plays in an international match, Omani people stick to their TVs.

History of Soccer in Oman

During the 1990s, Soccer became one of the most popular sports in Oman. Under the guidance of Sheikh Saif bin Hashil Al-Maskary, Oman achieved great results on the Asian stage.

By the time of the 2000s, Soccer became the most popular sport in Oman. Hani Al-Dhabit, a long-time veteran of the most successful sports club, Dhofar S.C.S.C., was awarded the RSSSF (Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation) 2001 World Top Scorer, with 22 goals. He became the third Arab and the first Omani to win the prestigious award. 

Talented Soccer players like Amad Al-Hosni, Ali Al-Habsi, Sultan Al-Touqi, Badr Al-Maimani and Khalifa Ayil made the Omani team more successful. 

Achievements of the Oman national football team

The Oman national football team has qualified for the Asian Cup in 2004, 2007, 2015 and 2019. The team has also reached the Arabian Gulf Cup finals four times. In 2009, the Oman national football team won the Arabian Gulf Cup. The competition took place in Muscat, Oman, from 4 to 17 January 2009. 

The 2009 Arabian Gulf Cup competition was also broadcast for the first time in HD. Omani people loved watching the Arabian Gulf Cup competition on HD channels. Their happiness increased when Oman won the Arabian Gulf Cup. Many Omani people praised the media coverage of the competition. 

Oman also won the 23rd Arabian Gulf Cup in 2017. The final of the Gulf Cup took place at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, a multi-purpose stadium in Kuwait. Omani people arrived at the stadium to cheer for the Omani team. 

Currently, international friendly match between the United States and Oman have been trending in both nations. The international friendly match took place on September 12. The US won the match against Oman at Allianz Field.

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Issam Al-Subhi, Faiyz Al-Rashidi, Khalid Al-Braiki, Ahmed Al-Kaabi, Jameel Al Yahmadi, Abdullah Fawaz, Harib Al-Saadi, Zaher Al-Aghbari, Omar Al-Malk, Ahmed Al-Khamisi, and Muhsen Al Ghassani were part of Omani team’s latest lineup.