Oman vs Malaysia

Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex forms the backdrop for a top-table 2026 World Cup qualifying Group D six-pointer between Oman and Malaysia.

Oman’s third consecutive Asian Cup appearance didn’t go according to plan as they bowed out of January’s tournament after failing to win any of their three group-stage matches (D2, L1). They encountered better luck at the start of their World Cup qualifying campaign, tearing Chinese Taipei apart in a 3-0 home win on day one. However, a 1-0 defeat at Kyrgyzstan last time out cast doubt on their hopes of reaching the most prestigious international tournament for the first time in the nation’s history, leaving them three points adrift of Group D leaders Malaysia. However, Jaroslav Silhavy’s men could bridge that gap after this round if they can extend their three-game winning H2H streak. Since each of those three wins came ‘to nil’ and two saw them net 3+ goals, Oman probably like their odds.

Meanwhile, Malaysia’s first appearance at the Asian Cup since 2007 was an unmitigated disaster as they lost two of their three group-stage games without scoring (D1). But the visitors regained some confidence after a disappointing tournament with a thumping 5-1 friendly win against Nepal in the build-up to this contest. That result set the ‘Malayan Tiger’ up nicely for this trip as they look to preserve their 100% win ratio at the start of Group D (W2). But Kim Pan-gon’s men lacked conviction in those victories, prevailing by a single-goal margin on both occasions. While that’s not an inspiring fact, Malaysia can draw confidence from going unbeaten on their last four international travels (W1, D3).