Players pose for camera after their final training session.

KUWAIT CITY, March 24: Kuwait’s World Cup qualification hopes hang in the balance as they prepare to host Oman in a decisive encounter at 9:15 PM this Tuesday at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium. The match marks the eighth round of Group B in the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Elsewhere in Group B, Jordan will take on South Korea at 2:00 pm, while Palestine faces Iraq at 9:15 pm at Amman International Stadium.

South Korea leads the group with 15 points, followed by Iraq and Jordan, who are tied for second with 12 points each. Oman sits in fourth place with 7 points, while Kuwait is fifth with 5 points—just two points ahead of Palestine, which remains at the bottom of the standings.

The top two teams from each of the three groups will secure direct qualification to the World Cup, while the third- and fourth-place teams will enter the playoffs, divided into two groups, competing for two and a half spots.

For Kuwait, victory is the only viable option to keep their qualification hopes alive and boost their chances of finishing in third or fourth place. A draw would extend their chances into the final two rounds, but a loss could significantly diminish their hopes of advancing.

The Blues will be without star striker Yousef Nasser, who scored both goals against Iraq in the previous round but, is suspended due to yellow card accumulation. This forced Argentine coach Juan Pizzi to seek an alternative in attack, with Salman Al-Awadhi and Fawaz Mbilish emerging as potential replacements. Another tactical option could see Kuwait deploying a "false nine," with Eid Al-Rashidi or Mubarak Al-Fenini filling the role.

Beyond tactics, the coaching staff is banking on the team's rising morale following its strong performance against Iraq in Basra. Additionally, a strong home crowd is expected to provide a crucial boost, especially given the Blues’ noticeable improvement in recent months.

Oman, under coach Rashid Jaber, recognizes the significance of this fixture. A win would dramatically improve its chances of progressing to the next round and put pressure on Iraq and Jordan. It will draw confidence from its resilient 1-1 draw against South Korea in the previous round.

Qatari referee Salman Falahi will officiate the match, assisted by Ramzan Al-Nuaimi and Majed Al-Shammari. Video Assistant Referees (VAR) Abdullah Al-Marri and Mohammed Ahmed will also be in charge.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff