Jordan is gearing up for its inaugural appearance at the World Cup, a milestone after nine prior attempts that fell short. Their closest brush with qualification came during the 2014 qualifiers, where they reached the intercontinental playoff but faced a devastating 5-0 defeat to Uruguay.
This time around, the narrative has taken a positive turn. The team excelled in the second round of the Asian qualifiers, finishing atop their group with 13 points from four victories, a draw, and a single loss. They advanced to the third round, securing a second-place finish in Group B, just behind South Korea, and achieved direct qualification with a decisive 3-0 win over Oman. Forward Ali Olwan emerged as the star of the qualifiers, netting an impressive nine goals.
Under the guidance of Moroccan head coach Jamal Sellami, the team adopts a 3-4-3 formation. Goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila serves as the foundation of the defense, while defenders Yazan Al-Arab, Abdallah Nasib, and Mohammad Abualnadi form the back three. In the midfield, Nizar Al-Rashdan and Noor Al-Rawabdeh offer stability, complemented by the dynamic wing-backs Issam Al-Samiri on the right and Mohannad Abu Taha on the left.
Jordan: Group J fixtures
16 June v Austria, San Francisco (9pm local, 17 June 5am BST, 17 June 2pm AEST)
22 June v Algeria, San Francisco (8pm local, 23 June 4am BST, 23 June 1pm AEST)
27 June v Argentina, Dallas (9pm local, 28 June 3am BST, 28 June noon AEST)
Sellami’s strategy emphasizes rapid transitions to make the most of the speed of standout winger Mousa Al-Tamari, who has showcased his skills at the French club Rennes this season. He receives support from Ali Olwan and the seasoned forward Mahmoud Al-Mardi. Unfortunately, the team will be without key striker Yazan Al-Naimat, who suffered an ACL injury last December.
Despite the pressure that comes with a debut, Al-Tamari remains optimistic, stating, “Jordanian players are known for their determination and resilience. We refuse to let anyone outshine us.” In North America, Jordan will face formidable opponents including Argentina, Austria, and Algeria. Sellami commented on the challenge of facing Lionel Messi, saying, “This is a unique experience for our players. We have specific strategies prepared for each match, especially against Argentina, which requires special preparation.”
The coach
Jamal Sellami took the reins in August 2024, succeeding Hussein Ammouta. He quickly made an impact, leading the team to the final of the 2025 Arab Cup, where they narrowly lost to Morocco in a penalty shootout, along with guiding them to their first World Cup. A former player for Morocco at the 1998 World Cup, Sellami earned 38 caps and scored two goals during his international career. Transitioning to coaching in 2011, he notably led Morocco to the African Nations Championship title in 2018. He emphasizes the importance of ambition and passion, stating, “We faced challenges, but our focus remained on the shared objective.”
Star player
Mousa Al-Tamari, often referred to as the “Jordanian Messi,” is eager to establish his legacy on the World Cup stage. He gained prominence in European football, notably winning the Best Player award in the Cypriot league with Apoel during the 2018–19 season, where he played a key role in securing the title. Following that, he moved to Leuven in Belgium, then to Montpellier in France, and currently represents Rennes. Having made his debut for Jordan in 2016, he has accumulated 90 caps and scored 24 goals as of mid-May.
One to watch
Odeh Fakhouri may be poised for a breakout moment. With injuries to key forwards Yazan Al-Naimat and Ibrahim Sabra, Fakhouri is likely to be given a chance to showcase his skills alongside Mousa Al-Tamari and Ali Olwan. He recently scored the only goal for Jordan in a 4-1 loss to Switzerland and started the subsequent match against Colombia, which ended in a 2-0 defeat. This year, he made history as the first Jordanian to score in the CAF Champions League while playing for Pyramids against Rivers United after joining the Egyptian club during the 2025-26 season from Al-Hussein Irbid, following a series of outstanding performances in the AFC Champions League Two.
Unsung hero
Nizar Al-Rashdan plays a pivotal yet often overlooked role in Jordan’s midfield. Balancing attacking ambition with defensive prowess, he has come through in crucial moments, such as scoring the winning goal against Iraq in the round of 16 at the 2023 Asian Cup and another decisive strike against Saudi Arabia in the semi-finals of the 2025 Arab Cup. Currently with Qatar SC, Al-Rashdan has accumulated valuable regional experience, including a stint with UAE Pro League team Emirates Club, where he played alongside Spanish legend Andrés Iniesta.
Probable starting XI
What to expect from fans at games?
Sellami describes Jordan’s fans as the team’s “12th player,” a sentiment reinforced during the 2023 Asian Cup, where they reached the final only to lose 3-1 to Qatar. The Jordanian community in the U.S. is organizing events to rally support for the team, and many fans are expected to attend despite challenges related to visa delays due to the US-Iran situation. Known for their enthusiastic chants, Jordanian supporters traditionally don the red-and-white keffiyeh.
Relationship with the US/Trump?
Jordan’s longstanding ties with the United States have been strengthened during Donald Trump’s presidency, with Trump expressing admiration for King Abdullah II on various occasions. However, Jordanian supporters have raised concerns regarding the high costs of World Cup tickets and travel, especially when compared to the seamless and enjoyable experience many had while attending the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
