This piece is part of the 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, featuring insights from premier media entities covering the 48 nations that qualified. As the tournament approaches, previews from three countries will be shared daily, leading up to the grand kickoff on June 11.
The Ambitious Quest
Jordan is gearing up for a monumental summer as they prepare for their inaugural World Cup, following nine unsuccessful attempts to qualify previously. Their closest brush with success came during the 2014 qualifiers when they reached the intercontinental playoff, only to be defeated 5-0 on aggregate by Uruguay.
This time, however, the narrative changed dramatically. Jordan emerged as the group leader in the second round of Asian qualifiers, amassing 13 points through four victories, one draw, and a single loss. Securing a place in the third round, they finished second in Group B, trailing only South Korea, and clinched direct qualification with a match to spare, thanks to a decisive 3-0 win over Oman. Notably, forward Ali Olwan was the standout scorer for the team during the qualifiers, netting nine goals.
Jamal Sellami, the Moroccan head coach, employs a tactical 3-4-3 formation. The team’s backbone is anchored by goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila, while defenders Yazan Al-Arab, Abdallah Nasib, and Mohammad Abualnadi fortify the back line. In midfield, Nizar Al-Rashdan and Noor Al-Rawabdeh provide balance, supported by the energetic wing-backs Issam Al-Samiri on the right and Mohannad Abu Taha on the left.
Jordan: Group J Fixtures
16 June vs. Austria, San Francisco (9pm local, 17 June 5am BST, 17 June 2pm AEST)
22 June vs. Algeria, San Francisco (8pm local, 23 June 4am BST, 23 June 1pm AEST)
27 June vs. Argentina, Dallas (9pm local, 28 June 3am BST, 28 June noon AEST)
Sellami’s strategy emphasizes rapid transitions, maximizing the speed of star winger Mousa Al-Tamari, who has been impressive at French club Rennes this season. He is supported by Ali Olwan and seasoned forward Mahmoud Al-Mardi. Unfortunately, Jordan will be without key striker Yazan Al-Naimat, who suffered an ACL injury last December.
Despite the pressures of their debut, Al-Tamari exudes confidence: “Jordanian players are recognized for their determination and resilience. We never allow anyone to outdo us.” In North America, Jordan will face formidable opponents in Argentina, Austria, and Algeria, with Sellami commenting to Fifa.com: “Confronting [Lionel] Messi is a remarkable experience. It poses a significant challenge for our players, and we have specific strategies for each match, as we have two crucial games before facing Argentina. The match against Messi will necessitate special preparations.”
The Leader
Jamal Sellami took the reins in August 2024, following Hussein Ammouta’s tenure. He made an immediate impact, guiding the team to the final of the 2025 Arab Cup, where they narrowly lost to Morocco on penalties, and now to their first World Cup. A former player, Sellami represented Morocco in the 1998 World Cup, earning 38 international caps and scoring twice. He transitioned to coaching in 2011, achieving notable success by leading Morocco to the African Nations Championship title in 2018. He reflects on his squad, stating: “Ambition, desire, and passion are vital. We faced challenges, but our focus has always remained on our common goal.”
Key Player
Mousa Al-Tamari, often referred to as the “Jordanian Messi,” is eager to establish his legacy on the World Cup platform. He gained recognition in European football, particularly winning the Best Player award in the Cypriot league with Apoel during the 2018-19 season, leading them to the championship. Following his time in Cyprus, he moved to Leuven in Belgium and later joined Montpellier in France, currently playing for Rennes. Al-Tamari made his debut for Jordan in 2016 and, by mid-May, had accumulated 90 caps and netted 24 goals.
Player to Watch
Odeh Fakhouri stands poised for a breakout opportunity. With injuries plaguing Jordan’s forward line, he may find himself in the spotlight alongside Mousa Al-Tamari and Ali Olwan. Recently, he scored Jordan’s sole goal in a 4-1 defeat to Switzerland and started in the subsequent match against Colombia, contributing to 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 in the middle of the 2025-26 season from Al-Hussein Irbid after showcasing impressive form in the AFC Champions League Two.
Unsung Contributor
Nizar Al-Rashdan plays a vital yet often overlooked role in Jordan’s midfield. Merging attacking drive with defensive savvy, he has produced crucial moments, including the winning goal against Iraq in the 2023 Asian Cup round of 16 and another decisive goal against Saudi Arabia in the semi-finals of the 2025 Arab Cup. Currently with Qatar SC, Al-Rashdan has acquired valuable regional experience, including time with UAE Pro League team Emirates Club alongside Spanish legend Andrés Iniesta.
Anticipated Starting XI
What Fans Can Expect
Sellami believes that Jordan’s fans are the team’s “12th player,” a sentiment reinforced during their journey to the finals of the 2023 Asian Cup, where they ultimately fell 3-1 to Qatar. The Jordanian community in the US is rallying to support the team, with many expected to attend despite visa challenges linked to the US-Iran situation. Renowned for their enthusiastic chants, Jordanian fans traditionally don the red-and-white keffiyeh.
Jordan and the US Connection
Jordan’s longstanding relationship with the United States has been bolstered during Donald Trump’s presidency, who has frequently praised King Abdullah II. However, Jordanian supporters have expressed apprehension regarding the steep costs of World Cup tickets and travel, especially when compared to the seamless and enjoyable experience many had during the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
