World Cup Preview: Jordan

Jordan arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the tournament’s great underdog stories. Appearing at the finals for the first time in their history, The Chivalrous Ones have enjoyed a remarkable rise in recent years, highlighted by their run to the 2023 AFC Asian Cup final. While expectations remain modest, Jordan have already proven they are capable of upsetting more established football nations.

Fixtures (UK time)

Austria, June 17, 5am
Algeria, June 23, 4am
Argentina, June 28, 3am

How They Qualified

Jordan secured a historic World Cup berth through the AFC qualification process, building on the momentum generated by their impressive Asian Cup performances. The Jordanians consistently punched above their weight against higher-ranked opponents, taking points off both South Korea and Iraq, and demonstrated a resilience that became their trademark throughout qualification. Reaching the finals represented the greatest achievement in the history of Jordanian football and sparked celebrations across the country.

The Manager

Jamal Sellami took charge of Jordan following a successful coaching career in Morocco and quickly helped continue the nation’s upward trajectory. The former Morocco international midfielder is best known for guiding Raja Casablanca to the Moroccan league title and developing a reputation for tactical organisation and disciplined football. Since arriving in Jordan, Sellami has built upon the foundations established by previous coaches while maintaining the team spirit that has driven the country’s recent success. The World Cup represents the biggest challenge of his managerial career.

The Star

Musa Al Taamari is the player most capable of producing moments of magic for Jordan. The winger became the first Jordanian footballer to play in France’s top flight when he joined Montpellier and has spent several years proving himself in European football. Blessed with pace, skill and creativity, Al Taamari was instrumental in Jordan’s run to the 2023 AFC Asian Cup final and has become the face of the national team. If Jordan are to cause an upset in North America, their star man will almost certainly be at the centre of it.

The Familiar Face

Ali Olwan may not be a household name among British football supporters, but he arrives at the World Cup as one of Jordan’s most important players. The forward has developed an outstanding international record, scoring 27 goals in his first 58 appearances for the national team. Olwan further enhanced his reputation by finishing as the top scorer at the 2025 Arab Cup, underlining his ability to deliver in major tournaments. While Al Taamari often grabs the headlines, Jordan’s hopes of progression could depend just as heavily on the goals of their prolific striker.

Did you know?

Jordan’s run to the 2023 AFC Asian Cup final was so unexpected that they defeated South Korea, Iraq and Tajikistan despite never previously reaching the semi-finals of the competition in their history.

The Prediction

Group Stage

Simply reaching the World Cup is a historic achievement for Jordan, but Group J presents a formidable challenge. Argentina are among the favourites to win the tournament, while Algeria and Austria both possess greater experience at this level. Jordan have shown they can upset the odds and should not be underestimated, particularly with Al Taamari and Olwan capable of causing problems in attack. However, the quality of their opponents means a fourth-place finish and a group-stage exit appears the most likely outcome, even if they earn plenty of admirers along the way.

Cover Photo: FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw Reception” by UKinUSA is licensed under CC BY SA 4.0 .