This article forms part of the 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a collaboration involving leading media entities from the 48 nations that qualified. As the tournament kicks off on June 11, is providing daily previews from three countries.
The Ambitious Road Ahead
This summer marks a significant milestone for Jordan as they prepare for their inaugural World Cup appearance after nine unsuccessful attempts. Previously, their closest shot came in the 2014 qualifiers when they reached the intercontinental playoff but ultimately fell to Uruguay with a 5-0 aggregate score.
This time, however, the narrative has shifted. Jordan emerged victorious in their group during the second round of the Asian qualifiers, accumulating 13 points through four wins, one draw, and one loss. Their success propelled them into the third round, where they secured qualification by finishing second in Group B behind South Korea, clinching their spot with a match to spare following a 3-0 triumph over Oman. Forward Ali Olwan led the scoring charts, netting nine goals during the qualifiers.
Under the guidance of head coach Jamal Sellami from Morocco, who employs a 3-4-3 formation, the squad has a solid foundation. Goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila serves as the team’s backbone, while defenders Yazan Al-Arab, Abdallah Nasib, and Mohammad Abualnadi form a cohesive back line. In the midfield, Nizar Al-Rashdan and Noor Al-Rawabdeh offer stability, complemented by dynamic wing-backs Issam Al-Samiri on the right and Mohannad Abu Taha on the left.
Jordan: Group J Fixtures
The team’s schedule includes:
- June 16 vs. Austria, San Francisco (9 PM local, June 17, 5 AM BST, June 17, 2 PM AEST)
- June 22 vs. Algeria, San Francisco (8 PM local, June 23, 4 AM BST, June 23, 1 PM AEST)
- June 27 vs. Argentina, Dallas (9 PM local, June 28, 3 AM BST, June 28, noon AEST)
Sellami’s strategy emphasizes swift transitions to leverage the speed of star winger Mousa Al-Tamari, who delivered impressive performances while playing for French club Rennes this season. He is joined in attack by Ali Olwan and veteran forward Mahmoud Al-Mardi. Unfortunately, Jordan will be without key striker Yazan Al-Naimat, who is sidelined due to an ACL injury sustained in December.
Despite the excitement of their debut, Al-Tamari exudes confidence:
“Jordanian players are recognized for their determination and resilience. We refuse to let anyone outdo us.”
As they take on Argentina, Austria, and Algeria in North America, Sellami remarked to Fifa.com:
“Competing against [Lionel] Messi is an exceptional opportunity. It poses a significant challenge for our players, and we have a tailored approach for each match since the clash with Argentina comes after two other vital games. Preparing specifically for the match against Messi is essential.”
The Coach’s Vision
Jamal Sellami, who assumed the coaching role in August 2024, replaced his fellow Moroccan Hussein Ammouta. He quickly established his influence, guiding the team to the final of the 2025 Arab Cup, where they narrowly lost to Morocco in a penalty shootout, and now to their first World Cup. A former player who represented Morocco at the 1998 World Cup, Sellami has earned 38 international caps and scored two goals. Transitioning to coaching in 2011, he notably led Morocco to victory at the African Nations Championship in 2018. He highlighted his team’s ethos:
“Ambition, desire, and passion are crucial. We faced challenges, yet our focus remained on our shared objective.”
Star Player to Watch
Mousa Al-Tamari, often dubbed the “Jordanian Messi,” is eager to establish his legacy on the global stage. He gained recognition in European football, winning the Cypriot league’s Best Player award with Apoel in the 2018–19 season, leading them to the championship. After a stint with Leuven in Belgium, he joined Montpellier in France and now plays for Rennes. Since his Jordan debut in 2016, Al-Tamari has accumulated 90 caps and scored 24 goals as of mid-May.
Emerging Talent
This could be a pivotal moment for Odeh Fakhouri. With injuries sidelining Yazan Al-Naimat and Ibrahim Sabra, Fakhouri may seize the opportunity to showcase his abilities alongside Mousa Al-Tamari and Ali Olwan in the attack. He recently scored Jordan’s sole goal in a 4-1 defeat to Switzerland and started the subsequent match against Colombia, which concluded with a 2-0 loss. This year, he made history as the first Jordanian to score in the CAF Champions League, netting for Pyramids against Rivers United. He joined the Egyptian club during the 2025-26 season from Al-Hussein Irbid following a string of standout performances in the AFC Champions League Two.
A Quiet Contributor
Nizar Al-Rashdan is vital to Jordan’s midfield, playing a crucial yet often understated role. He combines offensive drive with defensive responsibility, contributing key moments such as the winning goal against Iraq in the round of 16 at the 2023 Asian Cup and another decisive goal against Saudi Arabia in the semi-finals of the 2025 Arab Cup. Currently with Qatar SC, Al-Rashdan has gained significant regional experience, including a spell at UAE Pro League side Emirates Club alongside Spanish legend Andrés Iniesta.
Expected Starting Lineup
Fan Expectations
Sellami asserts that Jordan’s fans act as the team’s “12th player,” a reputation they solidified during the 2023 Asian Cup, where Jordan reached the final before succumbing to Qatar 3-1. The Jordanian diaspora in the US is organizing support initiatives, with many fans expected to attend despite visa complications stemming from the US-Iran situation. Known for their passionate chants, Jordanian supporters typically don the red-and-white keffiyeh.
US Relations and Ticket Concerns
Jordan’s longstanding relationship with the United States has been further solidified during Donald Trump’s presidency, who has frequently expressed admiration for King Abdullah II. However, Jordanian fans have raised concerns regarding the steep costs of World Cup tickets and travel, especially in contrast to the more seamless experience many enjoyed while attending the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
