Jordan will make their historic first World Cup appearance this summer, having finally broken through after nine unsuccessful qualifying campaigns. The closest they came before was in 2014, when they lost 5-0 on aggregate to Uruguay in an intercontinental playoff. This time, they topped their second-round Asian qualifying group with 13 points and secured direct qualification by finishing second in Group B behind South Korea, sealed with a 3-0 win over Oman. Forward Ali Olwan led the scoring with nine goals.
The Plan and Coach's Strategy
Head coach Jamal Sellami, a Moroccan who played at the 1998 World Cup, employs a 3-4-3 formation. Goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila anchors the defense, with Yazan Al-Arab, Abdallah Nasib, and Mohammad Abualnadi forming the back three. Midfielders Nizar Al-Rashdan and Noor Al-Rawabdeh provide stability, supported by wing-backs Issam Al-Samiri and Mohannad Abu Taha. Sellami emphasizes quick transitions to exploit the pace of star winger Mousa Al-Tamari, who impressed with French club Rennes. Ali Olwan and Mahmoud Al-Mardi support the attack, but key striker Yazan Al-Naimat is out with an ACL injury sustained in December.
Group J Fixtures
- 16 June v Austria, San Francisco (9pm local)
- 22 June v Algeria, San Francisco (8pm local)
- 27 June v Argentina, Dallas (9pm local)
Despite debut nerves, Al-Tamari remains confident: “Jordanian players are known for determination and resilience. We do not allow anyone to surpass us.” Sellami told FIFA.com: “Facing Messi is a unique experience. This represents a great challenge, and we have specific setups for each stage.”
The Coach: Jamal Sellami
Sellami took charge in August 2024, succeeding Hussein Ammouta. He led Jordan to the 2025 Arab Cup final (lost to Morocco on penalties) and World Cup qualification. As a player, he earned 38 caps and scored two goals for Morocco. His coaching career includes guiding Morocco to the 2018 African Nations Championship title. He says: “Ambition, desire and passion are essential. We overcame difficulties, but the focus remained on the common goal.”
Star Player: Mousa Al-Tamari
Known as the “Jordanian Messi,” Al-Tamari built his reputation in Europe, winning Cyprus’s Best Player award with Apoel in 2018-19. He later played for Leuven, Montpellier, and now Rennes. With 90 caps and 24 goals since his 2016 debut, he is determined to carve his own legacy.
One to Watch: Odeh Fakhouri
With injuries to Yazan Al-Naimat and Ibrahim Sabra, Fakhouri could start alongside Al-Tamari and Olwan. He scored Jordan’s only goal in a 4-1 loss to Switzerland and started against Colombia. He made history as the first Jordanian to score in the CAF Champions League, for Pyramids against Rivers United, and joined Pyramids from Al-Hussein Irbid in 2025-26.
Unsung Hero: Nizar Al-Rashdan
Al-Rashdan plays a crucial midfield role, combining attacking intent with defensive discipline. He scored decisive goals against Iraq in the 2023 Asian Cup round of 16 and against Saudi Arabia in the 2025 Arab Cup semifinals. He plays for Qatar SC and previously played with Andrés Iniesta at Emirates Club.
Probable Starting XI
Yazeed Abulaila; Yazan Al-Arab, Abdallah Nasib, Mohammad Abualnadi; Issam Al-Samiri, Nizar Al-Rashdan, Noor Al-Rawabdeh, Mohannad Abu Taha; Mousa Al-Tamari, Ali Olwan, Odeh Fakhouri.
Fan Expectations
Sellami calls supporters the “12th player,” a reputation reinforced during the 2023 Asian Cup final run. The Jordanian community in the US is organizing campaigns, with many expected to travel despite visa delays. Fans traditionally wear red-and-white keffiyehs and chant passionately.
Relationship with the US/Trump
Jordan’s strong ties with the US have been reinforced under President Trump, who has praised King Abdullah II. However, fans are concerned about high ticket and transport costs compared to the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Written by Ayman Hijleh for Al-Ghad.
