Iraq vs Oman - Gulf Cup of Nations

Few would have predicted the narrative arc that brings Iraq and Oman together at the home ground on September 23, 2026, and the underdog storyline only adds to the Gulf Cup of Nations occasion. Real have been keen to sign the Spain captain from Manchester City, but they now face competition from Barcelona for the 30-year-old, who has a year remaining on his contract at the Etihad.

There is little to choose between Iraq and Oman on paper, and the Gulf Cup of Nations encounter should reflect that balance. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. Oman will travel with intent, knowing that a positive result here could kick-start their campaign. Dusan Vlahovic followed up his hat-trick on Monday by completing the comeback to leave Fenerbahce four points behind Galatasaray, who snatched a late winner at Basaksehir on Friday.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Iraq will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Oman will back themselves to cause problems on the break. Tuesday's print edition of ABC, as relayed by Sport Witness, have claimed that Betis turned down a €50m approach from a wealthy non-Premier League club for Antony.

Neither side is short on individuals capable of tilting the balance, and the duel between the two squads' chief creators could prove particularly pivotal. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. He was the striker who arrived just when Wolves were rediscovering themselves.

The fixture has the feel of a coin-flip, and picking a winner with any conviction would require a braver pundit than most. Expect a tight, competitive affair that could easily end all square at 1-1. Whatever the outcome, the Gulf Cup of Nations fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. All I ever wanted to do was win a championship for the New York Giants.” Beckham Jr is likely to play in the Giants’ first preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium next weekend.