Iraq start as narrow favourites against an Oman side that is well organised and hard to break down. Both teams know each other well from regional competition, and meetings between them are typically cautious affairs decided by a single goal.

Group-stage matches at the Gulf Cup carry heavy consequences and neither side will take risks early. Iraq carry the greater attacking threat but Oman defend in numbers and are comfortable playing without the ball.

Estimated price — no bookmaker market is published for the Gulf Cup, so this line reflects the tournament's scoring patterns and the sides' recent meetings rather than a traded price.