Oman have appointed Moroccan coach Tarik Sektioui as the new head coach of the national team, marking a fresh chapter as the federation moves on from experienced manager Carlos Queiroz. The decision was confirmed shortly after the announcement that Queiroz had stepped down by mutual agreement, bringing an end to his brief tenure with the team. The change comes at an important time for Oman as they begin preparations for upcoming regional competitions and aim to rebuild momentum following recent setbacks on the international stage.
Queiroz, who took charge in mid 2025, oversaw a mixed period that included a limited number of wins and several draws and defeats. During his time in charge, Oman were unable to progress beyond the group stage in the Arab Cup and also fell short in their attempt to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after losing in the Asian playoffs. These results placed increasing pressure on the team’s direction, ultimately leading to a transition in leadership as both parties agreed to part ways.
Sektioui arrives with a growing reputation following his recent success with Moroccan teams at different levels. He guided Morocco’s A team to victory in the Arab Cup and also played a key role in leading the Olympic squad to a podium finish at the Paris 2024 Games. His achievements have highlighted his ability to develop competitive teams and manage tournament environments, qualities that Oman will be hoping to benefit from as they look to strengthen their national setup.
The appointment signals a shift toward a new approach, with a focus on rebuilding confidence and improving performance consistency. Oman are expected to use this period to develop a more cohesive squad while preparing for future competitions, including the Asian Cup scheduled in Saudi Arabia. Sektioui’s experience working with younger players and integrating talent into structured systems could prove valuable as the team looks to evolve and compete more effectively at the regional level.
While details of Sektioui’s contract have not been disclosed, his arrival reflects the federation’s intent to bring in fresh ideas and long term planning. The coming months will be crucial as he assesses the current squad, identifies key areas for improvement and implements his tactical approach. Oman will be aiming to establish a more stable foundation under new leadership, with expectations focused on steady progress and improved results in upcoming international fixtures.
