Football supporters across Oman are preparing for weeks of sleepless nights as the FIFA World Cup 2026 gets underway across the United States, Canada and Mexico on June 11.
With matches scheduled across multiple time zones, fans in the Gulf are expected to follow games stretching from late afternoon until early morning, creating a packed viewing schedule throughout the tournament.
Although Oman did not qualify for the competition, interest remains high due to the participation of eight Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Iraq and first-time qualifiers Jordan.
Hotels, sports lounges and cafés in Muscat are preparing for increased customer demand as supporters look for places to watch matches together. Venues are expected to remain busy during overnight kick-offs, particularly for fixtures involving Arab teams and defending champions Argentina.
Football fans in Oman say the unusual match timings will not stop them from following the tournament live. Many have already organised group gatherings and late-night viewing plans with friends and family.
The tournament is also generating excitement among expatriate communities in the Sultanate, with supporters from across the Arab world expected to gather in cafés and public venues throughout the month-long competition. Jordan’s first-ever World Cup appearance has added to regional anticipation ahead of the tournament.
Hospitality businesses are hoping the event will provide a strong commercial boost during the summer period. Several sports venues and sheesha cafés in Muscat and nearby areas are preparing extended operating hours to accommodate football fans during overnight matches.
Beyond the football, FIFA’s opening celebrations across Mexico City, Toronto and Los Angeles are expected to attract global attention, featuring performances by international artists including Shakira, Burna Boy, Katy Perry, Anitta and Blackpink member LISA.
For supporters in Oman, however, the main focus remains on the matches themselves, with many preparing to balance work, family commitments and disrupted sleep schedules during one of the region’s most anticipated sporting events.
