This piece is part of the 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a collaboration of premier media outlets from the 48 nations that qualified. In anticipation of the tournament commencing on June 11, previews are being published daily from three different countries.
Jordan’s Ambitious Quest
This summer marks a pivotal moment for Jordan as they prepare for their inaugural World Cup appearance after nine failed attempts at qualifying. Previously, their closest effort was during the qualifiers for the 2014 tournament, where they reached the intercontinental playoff but faced a 5-0 aggregate defeat against Uruguay.
This time, however, Jordan’s journey has taken a different turn. They topped their group in the second round of the Asian qualifiers, amassing 13 points through four victories, a draw, and a single loss. Their performance propelled them into the third round, where they secured second place in Group B, finishing just behind South Korea, and clinched direct qualification with a match to spare after triumphing 3-0 over Oman. Forward Ali Olwan emerged as the team’s leading scorer during the qualifiers, netting an impressive nine goals.
Under the guidance of Moroccan head coach Jamal Sellami, who favors a 3-4-3 formation, the team is strategically structured. Goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila stands as a stalwart at the back, while defender Yazan Al-Arab anchors the defense alongside Abdallah Nasib and Mohammad Abualnadi. In the midfield, Nizar Al-Rashdan and Noor Al-Rawabdeh provide a solid foundation, supported by dynamic wing-backs Issam Al-Samiri on the right and Mohannad Abu Taha on the left.
Jordan’s Group J Schedule
16 June vs. Austria, San Francisco (9 PM local, 17 June 5 AM BST, 17 June 2 PM AEST)
22 June vs. Algeria, San Francisco (8 PM local, 23 June 4 AM BST, 23 June 1 PM AEST)
27 June vs. Argentina, Dallas (9 PM local, 28 June 3 AM BST, 28 June noon AEST)
Sellami’s strategy emphasizes rapid transitions aimed at capitalizing on the speed of star winger Mousa Al-Tamari, who showcased his skills with French club Rennes this season. He receives support from 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 suffered in December.
Despite potential debut jitters, Al-Tamari exudes confidence:
“Jordanian players are known for determination and resilience. We do not allow anyone to surpass us.”
As they face formidable opponents Argentina, Austria, and Algeria in North America, Sellami remarked to Fifa.com:
“Encountering [Lionel] Messi is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This presents a significant challenge for our players, and we have tailored our strategy for each match because before facing Argentina, we have two other critical games. The match against Messi will necessitate special preparation.”
Meet the Coach
Jamal Sellami assumed the coaching role in August 2024, taking over from his fellow Moroccan 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, while also guiding them to this historic World Cup qualification. Having represented Morocco as a player in the 1998 World Cup, he earned 38 international caps and scored two goals. Transitioning to coaching in 2011, one of his standout achievements was leading Morocco to victory in the African Nations Championship in 2018. He shares his vision for the team:
“Ambition, desire, and passion are vital. We faced challenges, but our focus has always remained on our shared goal.”
Star Player Spotlight
Dubbed the “Jordanian Messi,” Mousa Al-Tamari is eager to establish his legacy on the World Cup stage. He gained recognition in European football, notably earning the Best Player award in the Cypriot league with Apoel during the 2018-19 season, where he played a pivotal role in their title win. After a year at Leuven in Belgium, he moved to Montpellier in France and currently represents Rennes. Since making his Jordan debut in 2016, he has accumulated 90 caps and scored 24 goals by mid-May.
Player to Watch
This World Cup could be a significant opportunity for Odeh Fakhouri. With several forwards injured, including Yazan Al-Naimat and Ibrahim Sabra, Fakhouri is poised to prove his worth alongside Mousa Al-Tamari and Ali Olwan in the attack. He recently scored Jordan’s only goal in a 4-1 loss to Switzerland and then started against Colombia, which ended in a 2-0 defeat. Fakhouri made history this year as the first Jordanian to score in the CAF Champions League, netting a goal for Pyramids against Rivers United. He joined the Egyptian club mid-season from Al-Hussein Irbid after a series of standout performances in the AFC Champions League Two.
Unsung Hero
Nizar Al-Rashdan plays an essential but often overlooked role in Jordan’s midfield. Blending offensive ambition with defensive solidity, he has contributed pivotal moments, including the winning goal against Iraq in the round of 16 at the 2023 Asian Cup, as well as another match-winner against Saudi Arabia during the semi-finals of the 2025 Arab Cup. Currently with Qatar SC, Al-Rashdan has gained valuable regional experience, including time with UAE Pro League side Emirates Club alongside Spanish legend Andrés Iniesta.
Projected Starting XI
Fan Expectations
Sellami describes Jordan’s supporters as the team’s “12th player,” a sentiment they reinforced during the 2023 Asian Cup when Jordan reached the final, ultimately falling 3-1 to Qatar. The Jordanian community in the United States is organizing support campaigns for the squad, and many fans are anticipated to travel despite visa complications linked to the US-Iran conflict. Renowned for their fervent chants, Jordanian fans typically don the red-and-white keffiyeh.
US Relations
Jordan’s longstanding ties with the United States have been solidified during Donald Trump’s presidency, where he has often praised King Abdullah II. However, Jordanian fans have raised concerns regarding the exorbitant costs associated with World Cup tickets and travel, especially in comparison to the seamless and enjoyable experience many had while attending the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
