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Oman host Iraq at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat on Tuesday for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The campaign is exactly halfway through and the reading doesn't look good for either side.
The Reds are in fourth position in Group B with six points from five games. As things stand, they will miss out on a direct qualification but will progress to the fourth round instead.
Their only positive results so far have come against Kuwait in a 4-0 thumping on matchday two, and a slender 1-0 victory over Palestine on Thursday. If they are to bolster their chances of reaching the US/Canada/Mexico showpiece, they must start picking up wins.
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Meanwhile, their Middle Eastern rivals sit right above them with two more points in the bag. They too have won only twice, but their only loss so far has been a 3-2 defeat at the hands of South Korea on matchday four.
Oman vs Iraq Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- There have been 28 clashes between the sides in the past, with Iraq winning on exactly half the occasions and losing to their Gulf rivals eight times.
- Having beaten Oman in their last two encounters, the Lions of Mesopotamia are looking for their third consecutive victory in the fixture, something they haven't pulled off since a run of three between January 1989 and August 1999.
- With eight goals conceded, the Reds have the worst defensive record of any side in Group B besides Kuwait (10).
- Al-Ahmar have won only twice from their last six games, both coming within their last three encounters.
- The Lions of Mesopotamia have won just once from their last four games: a 1-0 win vs Palestine.
- The home side here are ranked 80th in the world while their rivals in this match are 24 places above them, according to the latest FIFA World Rankings.
Oman vs Iraq Prediction
Both teams have seen a similar trajectory in the ongoing World Cup qualifiers, with the Lions of Mesopotamia performing only marginally better. The Reds have largely blown hot and cold, and their erratic run of form could cost them big time here.
Prediction: Oman 1-2 Iraq
Oman vs Iraq Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Result: Iraq to win
Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5: Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3 - Both teams to score: Yes
