Jordan Enters Final Phase Of Preparations For World Cup Debut

(MENAFN- Jordan Times) AMMAN - Jordan's national football teamis intensifying preparations for their historic debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the countdown to the global showpiece enters its final phase.

The team secured qualification in June 2025, finishing second in their group behind South Korea national football team. The achievement marked a historical moment for Jordanian football, sending the Nashama to the World Cup for the first time in its history.

Jordan is currently ranked 63rd in the latest FIFA Men's World Ranking, released on April 1, 2026, with 1,391.45 points. The steady climb reflects improved consistency under head coach Jamal Sellami and places Jordan among Asia's stronger sides.

Jordan has demonstrated marked progress in recent years, highlighted by their runners-up finish at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.

The squad combines defensive organisation with growing attacking confidence, led by winger Musa Taamari, whose creativity and pace remain central to the team's ambitions.

Recent fixtures in late March offered valuable match sharpness. Amid regional tensions, the Jordan Football Association relocated a four-nation tournament from Amman to Antalya, Turkiye.

On March 27, Jordan held Costa Rica national football team to a 2-2 draw at Mardan Stadium, underlining Jordan's resilience against a competitive CONCACAF side days later, the Nashama produced another 2-2 draw against Nigeria national football team, showcasing the side's composure and tactical discipline.

These back-to-back draws against strong international opposition have provided head coach Sellami with an opportunity to assess squad depth, refine set-piece routines and fine-tune tactical organisation. Tamari, widely regarded as the team's creative talisman, continues to play a pivotal role, while the midfield has offered balance and structure.

On May 31, Jordan will travel to St Gallen to meet Switzerland. The European side's tactical discipline and structured approach mirror aspects of Austria's style, making the match particularly significant from a tactical standpoint.

Competing away from home will also help Jordan adapt to different conditions and higher-intensity opposition. The final warm-up match comes on June 7 at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego against Colombia.

Colombia's technical quality and attacking dynamism present a challenge comparable to that posed by Argentina. With only days separating the fixture from the World Cup opener, it will serve as a crucial opportunity to fine-tune tactics and assess match readiness.

Drawn in Group J, Jordan faces a formidable challenge against reigning champions Argentina national football team, alongside Algeria national football team and Austria national football team. Their opening match is scheduled on June 16 against Austria, followed by fixtures against Algeria on June 22 and Argentina on June 27.

With qualification secured and preparations progressing steadily, the focus now turns to execution. Jordan arrives at the World Cup in solid form, aiming to write a new chapter in the Kingdom's sporting history, as anticipation builds among supporters at home.

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