This article is part of the Guardian’s 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network , a cooperation between some of the best media organisations from the 48 countries who qualified. theguardian.com is running previews from three countries each day in the run-up to the tournament kicking off on 11 June.
A big summer ahead, as Jordan make their first World Cup appearance after nine previous unsuccessful qualifying attempts. The closest the national team came before was during the qualifiers for 2014, when they reached the intercontinental playoff but lost 5-0 on aggregate to Uruguay.
But this time the story was different. Jordan topped the group in the second round of the Asian qualifiers, collecting 13 points with four wins, one draw and one defeat. They then progressed to the third round, finishing second in Group B behind South Korea to secure direct qualification with a match to spare after a 3-0 victory over Oman. The forward Ali Olwan was the team’s top scorer in the qualifiers with nine goals.
The head coach, Jamal Sellami of Morocco, uses a 3-4-3 formation. Goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila anchors the side, while the FC Seoul defender Yazan Al-Arab leads the back line alongside Abdallah Nasib and Mohammad Abualnadi. In midfield, Nizar Al-Rashdan and Noor Al-Rawabdeh provide stability, supported by the dynamic wing-backs Issam Al-Samiri on the right and Mohannad Abu Taha on the left.
Show 16 June v Austria, San Francisco (9pm local, 17 June 5am BST, 17 June 2pm AEST)
22 June v Algeria, San Francisco (8pm local, 23 June 4am BST, 23 June 1pm BST)
27 June v Argentina, Dallas (9pm local, 28 June 3am BST, 28 June noon AEST)
Thank you for your feedback. Sellami’s approach focuses on quick transitions to exploit the pace of star winger Mousa Al-Tamari, who impressed with French club Rennes this season. He is supported by Ali Olwan and the experienced forward Mahmoud Al-Mardi. However, Jordan will miss the key striker Yazan Al-Naimat, who sustained an ACL injury in December.
While debut nerves may be a factor, Al-Tamari remains confident: “Jordanian players are known for determination and resilience. We do not allow anyone to surpass us.” In North America Jordan will come up against Argentina, Austria and Algeria, and Sellami told Fifa.com: “Facing [Lionel] Messi is a unique experience. This represents a great challenge for our players, and we have our specific setup for each stage because before the Argentina match, we have two other very important matches. The match against Messi will require special preparation.”
Jamal Sellami took charge in August 2024, succeeding his compatriot Hussein Ammouta. He quickly made his mark. Under his guidance the team reached the final of the 2025 Arab Cup, narrowly losing to Morocco on penalties, and to this first World Cup. He represented Morocco as a player at the 1998 World Cup, earning 38 international caps and scoring two goals. He moved into coaching in 2011, with one of his notable achievements guiding Morocco to the African Nations Championship title in 2018. He says of his team: “Ambition, desire and passion are essential. We overcame difficulties, but the focus always remained on the common goal.”
Known as the “Jordanian Messi”, Mousa Al-Tamari is determined to carve out his own legacy on the World Cup stage. He built his reputation in European football, notably winning the Cypriot league’s Best Player award with Apoel during the 2018–19 season, leading them to the title. He moved to Leuven in Belgium the following year before joining Montpellier in France and currently plays for Rennes. He made his Jordan debut in 2016 and had by mid-May 90 caps and 24 goals.
View image in fullscreen Mousa Al-Tamari, known as the ‘Jordanian Messi’ will have a key role to play at the World Cup. Photograph: Ennio Leanza/AFP/Getty Images One to watch This could be Odeh Fakhouri ’s big chance. The forward could well be given an opportunity to prove his credentials following the injury crisis that has hit Jordan’s forward line before the World Cup. With both Yazan Al-Naimat and Ibrahim Sabra out Al-Fakhouri appears to be the leading candidate to start alongside Mousa Al-Taamari and Ali Olwan in Jordan’s frontline. He recently scored Jordan’s only goal in a 4-1 defeat to Switzerland and then started the following match against Colombia, which ended in a 2-0 loss. This year he made history as the first Jordanian player to score in the CAF Champions League, finding the net for Pyramids against Rivers United. He joined the Egyptian club midway through the 2025-26 season from Al-Hussein Irbid after a series of impressive performances in the AFC Champions League Two.
Nizar Al-Rashdan plays a crucial yet often understated role in Jordan’s midfield. Combining attacking intent with defensive discipline, he has delivered some decisive moments, including the winning goal against Iraq in the round of 16 at the 2023 Asian Cup, and another winner against Saudi Arabia in the semi-finals of the 2025 Arab Cup. Currently playing for Qatar SC, Al-Rashdan has gained valuable regional experience, including a stint with UAE Pro League side Emirates Club alongside Spain legend Andrés Iniesta.
View image in fullscreen What to expect from fans at games? Sellami says Jordan’s supporters are the team’s “12th player,” a reputation they reinforced during the 2023 Asian Cup where Jordan reached the final before losing 3-1 to Qatar. The Jordanian community in the US is organising campaigns to support the team, and many are expected to travel despite visa delays linked to the US-Iran conflict. Known for their passionate chants, Jordanian fans traditionally wear the red-and-white keffiyeh.
Jordan’s strong historical ties with the US have been reinforced during the presidency of Donald Trump, who has publicly expressed admiration for King Abdullah II on multiple occasions. But Jordanian fans have voiced concerns over the high cost of World Cup tickets and transportation, especially compared to the smooth and memorable experience many enjoyed while attending the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
Sources: The Guardian
