Jordan Holds On To Slim Chance At U20 Women's Asian Cup

(MENAFN- Jordan Times) AMMAN – Jordan plays Uzbekistan on Wednesday with their eyes set on scoring a win and clinching a qualifying berth to the quarters of the 2026 AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup currently underway in Bangkok, Thailand.

Jordan went down 8-0 in their opening Group B match to reigning champs North Korea followed by a 2-1 defeat to two-time champs South Korea in the tournament serving as a qualifying competition for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women's World Cup.

With 12 teams playing in three groups, the two top teams from each group and two second-placed best sides will move to the quarter-finals. The top four finishers will move to the U20 World Cup.

Jordan's coach hopes the team will jump back and score a win in their last match against Uzbekistan hoping that one of other competing teams draws to be able to advance further in the event. Other sides fighting for a berth include Bangladesh, Vietnam, Chinese Taipei, India and Uzbekistan. In case other teams score their first win, Jordan will need to win by a wide score to possibly advance. Meanwhile, Australia, Japan, China, Thailand as well as Group B leaders have booked their quartersslots.

Jordan's coach Husam Abu Rayyash underlined his side was adamant to win and advance.“We lost by a big score in the opening match, but played a good game against former champs South Korea despite the loss,” Aby Rayyash noted.“We are fully confident we are addressing the gaps and aiming for a win against Uzbekistan.”

It is Jordan's second time at the competition after they reached the Asian Cup in 2006 exiting Round 1. Defending champions North Korea are two-time winners, while Japan have won a record 6 titles, South Korea twice and China once.

The women's U20 qualification made up for the senior teamexiting qualifiers for the 2026 Women's AFC Asian Cup which Jordan reached twice before: in 2014 as group winner, and in 2018, as host. The women's U17 team also exited qualifiers for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026.

The senior men's squad successes have raised the bar for all teams after Jordan secured a historic qualification to the 2026 World Cup where they will play in Group J alongside former champs and soccer greats Argentina, Algeria and Austria.

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