This article is part of a collaborative series focusing on the 2026 World Cup, featuring insights from various top media outlets across the 48 participating nations. As the tournament approaches, previews from three countries will be shared daily, culminating in the opening match on June 11.
Jordan’s Ambitious Plan
Jordan is gearing up for a monumental summer as they prepare to make their World Cup debut, having previously attempted and failed to qualify nine times. Their best effort came during the 2014 qualifiers, where they reached the intercontinental playoff but suffered a crushing 5-0 defeat to Uruguay.
This time, however, the narrative has changed. Jordan excelled in the second round of the Asian qualifiers, finishing at the top of their group with an impressive 13 points, comprised of four victories, one draw, and a solitary loss. They advanced to the final round, securing a spot in the World Cup by finishing second in Group B behind South Korea, thanks to a decisive 3-0 win over Oman. Forward Ali Olwan emerged as the standout performer, netting nine goals throughout the qualifiers.
Head coach Jamal Sellami from Morocco implements a 3-4-3 formation. Goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila serves as the backbone of the team, while defender Yazan Al-Arab, alongside Abdallah Nasib and Mohammad Abualnadi, fortifies the defense. In the midfield, Nizar Al-Rashdan and Noor Al-Rawabdeh provide essential balance, supported by dynamic wing-backs Issam Al-Samiri on the right and Mohannad Abu Taha on the left.
Jordan’s Group J Schedule
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 tactics revolve around rapid transitions to leverage the speed of star winger Mousa Al-Tamari, who has been in stellar form with Rennes in France. He is complemented by Ali Olwan and seasoned forward Mahmoud Al-Mardi. Unfortunately, Jordan will be without key striker Yazan Al-Naimat, who is sidelined with an ACL injury sustained in December.
Despite the pressure of a debut, Al-Tamari is optimistic:
“Jordanian players are known for their determination and resilience. We refuse to let anyone outshine us.”
Facing formidable opponents like Argentina, Austria, and Algeria in North America, Sellami remarked to Fifa.com:
“Competing against [Lionel] Messi is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This presents a significant challenge for our squad, and we have tailored our strategy for each match, especially considering the importance of the two games leading up to the one against Argentina.”
The Coach’s Vision
Jamal Sellami assumed the coaching role in August 2024, taking over from his fellow Moroccan, Hussein Ammouta. He made an immediate impact, leading the team to the final of the 2025 Arab Cup, where they narrowly lost to Morocco on penalties, and now to their inaugural World Cup. A former player for Morocco at the 1998 World Cup, Sellami earned 38 international caps and scored two goals during his career. Transitioning to coaching in 2011, he notably guided Morocco to the African Nations Championship title in 2018. He reflects on his team’s journey:
“Ambition, desire, and passion are vital. We have faced challenges, but our focus has always been on our shared objective.”
Star Player to Watch
Mousa Al-Tamari, often dubbed the “Jordanian Messi,” is eager to establish his legacy on the World Cup stage. He gained recognition in European football, winning the Best Player award in the Cypriot league with Apoel during the 2018-19 season, which helped the team clinch the title. After a season in Leuven, Belgium, he moved to Montpellier in France and currently plays for Rennes. Since making his Jordan debut in 2016, he has accumulated 90 caps and scored 24 goals by mid-May.
Emerging Talent
Forward Odeh Fakhouri is poised to seize his chance. With injuries affecting Jordan’s attacking options before the World Cup, Fakhouri is likely to step up alongside Mousa Al-Tamari and Ali Olwan in the frontline. Recently, he was the lone scorer in a 4-1 defeat to Switzerland and started the subsequent match against Colombia, which ended in a 2-0 loss. Fakhouri 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 after impressing in the AFC Champions League Two.
The Unsung Hero
Nizar Al-Rashdan plays a pivotal yet often overlooked role in Jordan’s midfield. Balancing offensive support with defensive responsibilities, he has come through in crucial moments, including scoring the decisive goal against Iraq in the 2023 Asian Cup’s round of 16 and another winning 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 stint with UAE Pro League side Emirates Club, where he played alongside Spanish legend Andrés Iniesta.
Jordan’s Likely Starting Lineup
Fans’ Anticipation
Sellami emphasizes that Jordan’s supporters serve as the team’s “12th player,” a sentiment they solidified during the 2023 Asian Cup, where Jordan reached the final but lost 3-1 to Qatar. The Jordanian community in the United States is mobilizing to rally support for the team, with many fans expected to travel despite visa delays associated with the US-Iran conflict. Known for their passionate chants, Jordanian fans traditionally don the red-and-white keffiyeh.
US Relations and Concerns
Jordan has maintained robust historical ties with the United States, particularly during Donald Trump’s presidency, who has frequently praised King Abdullah II. However, Jordanian fans have raised concerns regarding the high costs of World Cup tickets and transportation, especially compared to the enjoyable experience many had while attending the previous tournament in Qatar.
