• Ali Al-Busaidi speaks exclusively to FIFA

• Oman are through to third round of AFC World Cup 26 qualifying

• Defender confident nation can reach global showpiece

Oman have made impressive progress in their AFC FIFA World Cup 26™ qualification campaign so far – and there is growing hope and expectation they can reach the global finals for the first time

Czech coach Jaroslav Silhavy, appointed earlier this year, has kicked off his reign in impressive style, going undefeated in his first four games in charge and instilling confidence in his players and the Omani fans. Oman have made it through to the third round of AFC qualifying, where they will face Iraq, Jordan, Korea Republic, Palestine and Kuwait in Group B.

The top two teams will book a direct ticket to the World Cup, with the third and fourth placed nations progressing to another group phase.

Although they have reached this stage of qualification before, Oman have never managed to take the crucial extra step to secure a World Cup place. A veteran of the Oman squad, defender Ali Al-Busaidi pointed out the importance of learning from their previous campaigns.

“Having that experience will help us be even better in this stage of qualification,” he told FIFA. “We’ve learned a lot from our past mistakes and used them to improve. The teams in the group are very evenly matched, so every game will be tough and I think we all have a chance of qualifying.”

Defender Al-Busaidi, who plays his club football for Omani side Al Seeb, has become a mainstay of the international side and has made 77 senior appearances. He revealed how the team’s impressive performances in the second round of qualifying – Oman won their group, finishing two points ahead of Kyrgyzstan – were driven by the disappointment of their group-stage exit from the Asian Cup.

“Players perform best under pressure,” he added. “And we’d made a pledge to secure our qualification from the second round by topping our group.”

Al-Busaidi also explained how coach Silhavy has made a significant impact in his short time in charge.

“He shows us all a lot of respect as players, and he has a great tactical vision,” he said. “He’s gained a lot of experience in Europe, and he loves to play attacking football, which aligns perfectly with our team because we really enjoy that style. He’s found the balance by implementing a really well joined-up system where we all have clear roles in both attack and defence.”

That balance has been evident from Oman’s defensive displays under Silhavy. They have conceded just one goal in his four games at the helm, a feat Al-Busaidi attributes to the squad’s chemistry.

“As I said, the team works together as one; everyone defends and everyone attacks. It’s not just up to the defenders at the back. Everyone plays their part.”

After a spell out of the national team, Al-Busaidi has returned to the fold as a key part of Silhavy’s squad at a pivotal moment in the history of Omani football.

“It’s both an honour and a duty to represent the national team,” he said. “It makes us all feel very proud. Whenever I’m needed, I’ll be here, and we’re all fully prepared for what’s to come.”

Experience will play a key role for Oman in qualification. Aged 33, Al-Busaidi is one of the national team’s older players – and he outlined how he will aim to guide Oman’s emerging talents.

“We can help take the pressure off some of the players who haven’t experienced this stage of qualification before. As a squad, we get on really well with one another. We’re always happy to talk and pick each other up on our mistakes. Having the experienced players in the squad and working together as a team is what will help us achieve qualification.”

The third round of AFC qualification gets under way on 5 September, when Oman will travel to Iraq for their opening Group B match. Fully aware of how historic the next few months could be, Al-Busaidi is confident, determined and optimistic:

“God willing, we will qualify,” he concluded.