Latest news with #JordanFootball
Al Bawaba
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Bawaba
Orange Jordan congratulates the Nashama on their historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup
Orange Jordan expresses its pride and honor in the national football team Al Nashama qualifying for the 2026 World Cup finals for the first time. This achievement stands as a national milestone that reinforces Jordanian determination, marks a proud chapter in the history of Jordanian sports, and represents a historic moment filled with pride and celebration throughout the Kingdom, coinciding with the enthusiastic support and celebrations of the Jordanian people in the historic qualification comes amid the high-level Royal support and encouragement, which had a profound impact on motivating Al-Nashama and boosting their morale. It also reflects the tremendous efforts exerted by the Jordan Football Association to develop the game and create a professional environment that nurtures talent. Additionally, it honors the distinguished role played by the national team players, supported by the technical and administrative staff, along with the loyal Jordanian fans who have always been partners in this Jordan launched a series of initiatives in this context, including the production and release of a national song supporting Al-Nashama titled "Dayman Ma'ak ya Blady", written and composed by Nasir Al Bashir and Yazan El Rousan, with music arranged by Nasser Basheer and performed by Jordanian artist Omar Al-Abdallat. This initiative was part of Orange Jordan's partnership with Jordanian football stars Mousa Tamari and Yazan Alnemat. Orange Jordan affirmed that these initiatives align with its slogan "Orange Is Here" and reflect its deep belief in empowering youth and enhancing their role in the nation's progress and achievements. Additionally, Orange Jordan organized a free fan event at the Boulevard – Abdali to watch the crucial qualifying matches against Oman and Iraq on a giant screen, creating an interactive and enthusiastic atmosphere. The event saw strong participation from attendees within a dedicated fan zone that included entertainment activities and distribution of Jordanian flags, showcasing a vibrant display of national pride and unity. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba ( Signal PressWire is the world's largest independent Middle East PR distribution service.
Khaleej Times
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Jordan fans hope to travel to North America to support their team at 2026 World Cup
Euphoric Jordanian expats in the UAE are hoping to take the long flight to North America following their team's historic Fifa World Cup qualification. Jordan last week became the first Arab team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup which will be played in the US, Canada and Mexico. Twelve years after their heartbreaking defeat to a star-studded Uruguay team in the inter-continental playoffs which denied them a chance to play in the 2014 World Cup, Jordan's greatest footballing dream has finally come true. 'As a Jordanian and as an Arab seeing our national team qualify for the World Cup is a moment of indescribable pride,' said Sharjah resident Osama Alrefaee. 'I was surrounded by friends and family, and as soon as the final whistle blew, we burst into cheers, hugs, and happy tears.' Alrefaee says it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience to cheer for his team in North America next year. 'If I have the chance, I'll be there waving the Jordanian flag with pride. Supporting the team in person on such a global stage would be a dream come true,' he said. Passion for football Abu Dhabi resident Hiba Al Mubarak knows what it's like to be in a World Cup, having attended a few matches in Qatar 2022. But now supporting Jordan from the stands next year in North America will be the greatest moment of her life. 'Every Jordanian is so proud that we have become the first Arab team to qualify for the next World Cup. I am sure the whole country would want to be at the World Cup next year,' she said. 'But going to a World Cup is very expensive, not every family can afford it. I was in Qatar for a few matches in 2022. It's not easy.' Having said that, Hiba admitted that some of her compatriots could be inspired by what a lot of Argentinian fans did at the Qatar World Cup. 'I met a few Argentinian fans and I was truly amazed by their passion for the game. A lot of them said they took loans and some of them even sold their personal belongings to be able to travel to Qatar,' she said. 'They are so passionate about football. For them, it's more than a game. And as a Jordanian, I know that our people are also very passionate about football. So, you never know, a few of them can do the same to watch the World Cup in North America next year.' Only Jordan Until the 2022 World Cup, Dubai resident Hamza Raqqad had only supported one team, England. 'I have always supported them because my mother is English. But my father is Jordanian,' said Hamza who watched Jordan's decisive win over Oman in the qualifier last week at a Jordanian café in Dubai. Now next year, Hamza will support only Jordan even if they are drawn in the same group with England. 'There will be no England next year for me. Only Jordan,' he said. 'I was raised in Jordan and it's difficult not to be emotional now. When they put the national flags of the qualified teams on the Fifa website, I saw the Jordanian flag and it filled me with so much pride.' Unlike the other Jordanian expats, Fahed Zoumot's perspective was different. The 40-year-old Dubai resident was a former international cager, having played for the Jordanian national basketball team. 'I know the responsibility you have on your shoulders when you wear the national team jersey and the sacrifices it takes to give your best in every match and every training session for your country,' said Zoumot who admired the dazzling skills of Brazilian football icons Romario and Ronaldinho. 'Basketball is popular in Jordan, but football is massive. So what this team has done is just incredible because it was such a tough qualifying campaign. To be able to enjoy this moment is so special now, especially after that 2013 heartbreak against Uruguay,' he said. Yasser Abdalrahman was at the stadium in Amman when Uruguay broke Jordanian hearts in 2013 by beating them 5-0 in the playoff. 'I was at the stadium and almost in tears after our team lost. It was heartbreaking. So now after all the years of hurt, I cannot express my joy of seeing my team reach the World Cup,' said Yasser, an influencer who socializes with Ali Alwan and Yazan Al Naimat, two of the stars of the team that made history. 'I know a lot of the players, they are my friends. So I am hoping that I can travel next year to the US and cheer them on.'
Khaleej Times
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
How Jordan became the first Arab team to qualify for 2026 Fifa World Cup
It's somewhat ironic that an Arab coach led Jordan, a football-mad country of 11 million people, to their first-ever World Cup qualification after heavy investments in big-name English coaches had failed to produce results. Unlike Harry Redknapp and the late Ray Wilkins, Jamal Sellami's CV doesn't feature a stint at any of the top European clubs. But it was the Moroccan whose tactical acumen made the difference as Jordan last week became the first Arab team to secure their ticket to next year's World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico. To put things in perspective, the hopes of Saudi Arabia, who have played in six World Cup since their debut at the global showpiece in 1994, are still hanging in balance. A team that famously beat Argentina, the eventual winners, in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, face a tricky fourth-round qualifying campaign, with the nerve-racking playoffs looming, after failing to earn one of the two automatic berths from their group in the third round of Asian qualifiers. Jordan, on the other hand, surprised the pundits with their near-perfect performances in the gruelling battle for the top two positions in their group during the third qualifying round. So how did a small country, which entered World Cup qualifiers only 40 years ago, show such a big ambition to reach the pinnacle of the sport? Jordan came very close to qualifying for the World Cup in 2013 when they advanced to the inter-continental playoffs on the back of some heroic performances in Asia. But their campaign ended in heartbreak when they lost to a star-studded Uruguay team which clinched the spot at the 2014 World Cup. The next two qualifying campaigns saw Jordan try out different coaches, including Redknapp and Wilkins, but a World Cup berth remained elusive. Things started to change for them in 2023 after Hussein Ammouta, a Moroccan coach, took over. It was under Ammouta that Jordan captivated the 2023 Asian Cup in Qatar, even pulling off a shock 2-0 victory over South Korea in the semifinals. Hosts Qatar proved too strong for them in the final, but playing their first title-decider in the continental showpiece was a testament to their progress and the scale of their ambition. Inexplicably, Ammouta left the job last year, but Jordan found the ideal replacement in Sellami. The 54-year-old inherited a team that was built to play the waiting game with a solid defensive formation before launching devastating counterattacks. It's with that style of play that Jordan have now galloped into the World Cup finals by clinching the second spot behind South Korea with 16 points from 10 matches in Group B. Striker Ali Olwan led the campaign with nine goals in the qualifiers as Rennes right-winger Musa Al-Tamari, the first Jordanian player in history to play club football in Europe, scored seven goals and Yazan Al-Naimat found the back of the net five times. With just eight goals conceded in the third round, Jordan also had the second-best defensive record behind South Korea in Group B, showing the team's all-round depth. They were virtually assured of a place in the World Cup following their comprehensive 3-0 win over Oman last Thursday with a hat trick from Ali Olwan. Later that night South Korea's 2-0 victory over Iraq confirmed Jordan's World Cup qualification as massive celebrations erupted in the country. While thousands of people hit the streets in Amman, singing, dancing and waving the national flag, King Abdullah II joined the celebrations from London wearing the team jersey. Incredibly, Jordan's historic moment coincided with Eid Al Adha last week. 'This achievement comes after years of hard work from players and the Jordan FA,' said Sellami. 'This historic qualification is for all the people who believed in us.' The celebrations will be even bigger if they pull off a shock win over a World Cup giant next year.
The Guardian
11-06-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Jordan's long road to World Cup qualification took a strange diversion
Would Harry Redknapp have taken Jordan to the World Cup had the 2018 tournament featured 48 teams instead of 32 and Asia had eight spots instead of four? It is an interesting question but the former West Ham manager's short time in charge in 2016, not long after Ray Wilkins had the job, is not a subject anyone in the capital, Amman, is much focused on at the moment. 'Redknapp and Wilkins? Now is not the time to talk about that,' said a smiling Jordan Football Association official on Monday. The reaction given the country has just qualified for a first World Cup and is in serious party mode is understandable. Before Tuesday's game at home to Iraq the sky above Amman's International Stadium came alive with drones displaying images of King Abdullah II, crown prince Al-Hussein bin Abdullah II and then a fighter jet, a tank and '2026'. It was impressive, and it is doubtful many of those present were also contemplating an image of Redknapp driving away from Jordan's training, winding down the windows to chat about the World Cup with waiting journalists before turning past the shisha bars and restaurants on Al Shahid Street and heading back to his hotel. In March 2016, Redknapp was brought in for two World Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh and Australia. It was a short-lived rollercoaster, more of a gyro drop really, an 8-0 win followed by a 5-1 loss. There cannot be many international coaches with a higher goals per game average. Redknapp wanted to extend his contract if the team reached the third round of qualification but Jordan were fifth of the eight best group runners-up and only the top four went through. These days, they would be in the final stage. Wilkins had been appointed in September 2014, taking his former Manchester United teammate Frank Stapleton with him. His five-month contract was not extended after Jordan did not make it out of their group at the Asian Cup the following January, finishing third behind Japan and a talented Iraq team. A year later Redknapp followed. Hiring English coaches was the doing of the Jordan FA president, Prince Ali bin al-Hussein, who challenged Sepp Blatter for the Fifa presidency in 2015. None of it really worked out. Wilkins and Redknapp were not around long enough to do much. 'I haven't got a magic wand. I can't come here and suddenly go: 'We're going to play like Brazil,'' Redknapp said. 'If I can get another 5% to make the difference I'll be delighted.' He was right. There isn't a magic wand and although the expanded World Cup helps, Jordan's qualification is not all about that either. 'This achievement comes after years of hard work from players and the Jordan FA,' said the team's Moroccan coach, Jamal Sellami. 'This historic qualification is for all the people who believed in us.' The improvement has been slow and steady. A solid mid-ranking team that long enjoyed being a stubborn underdog and giving more illustrious opponents a bloody nose in Amman have become something more. The 2023 Asian Cup was testament to that. Jordan won their first knockout games at the tournament and outclassed Jürgen Klinsmann's South Korea in the semi-final before losing to the hosts, Qatar. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion The coach Hussein Ammouta had much to do with it. The FA appointed the Moroccan in June 2023 instead of looking to Europe. He had a fine résumé, if one little known outside the Arab world, having secured continental prizes at club and country level as well as domestic trophies. Under him Jordan were happy to let opponents have possession and ready to take advantage of mistakes and be devastating on the counter. Attackers such as Yazan al-Naimat and Rennes' Musa al-Tamari, a rare Europe-based player, though that may change soon, lit up the tournament. Ammouta left in June 2024, citing family reasons, and there was some annoyance when he was appointed by the UAE club Al Jazira a few weeks later and much stronger feelings when it looked as if he might take the Iraq job in April. This was not only down to rivalry but also because the two were fighting it out for the second 2026 World Cup automatic qualification spot in Group B behind South Korea. Ammouta decided against it. His successor, Sellami, sealed the deal last week with a 3-0 win in Oman. Five days later, Iraq came to town for the final group game, a dead rubber. The party was alive, flags flying from cars heading to the stadium, billboards showing congratulations and fans talking of who they want at the World Cup. Brazil, Portugal, Argentina and Spain were mentioned. England were high on the list too and, if it happens, then it will be a perfect time to talk about Redknapp, Wilkins and their Amman adventure.
Khaleej Times
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Watch: Jordan Crown Prince celebrates with team after historic World Cup qualification
There were unprecedented scenes at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in neighbouring Oman on Thursday, June 5. As Muslims prepared to celebrate the blessed occasion of Eid Al Adha, Jordan had more reasons to rejoice as they rewrote a slice of history. The Hashemite Kingdom qualified for the World Cup for the first time. Ali Olwan, the 25-year-old striker fired a hattrick as Jordan defeated hosts Oman 3-0. The victory moved them to 16 points. And their ticket to next year's showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico was confirmed after South Korea's 2-0 win against Iraq in Basra. The top two teams in each of the three Asian groups go straight to the World Cup, while those finishing third and fourth — the UAE and Qatar hold those slots in Group A — enter a fourth round of qualifiers. As Jordan celebrated this stellar achievement, no one was more happier than the team's "12th man", who has been the squad's pillar of support. Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein, an avid football lover, was in the stands to support the team. He later met the team following the match and the love, affection and respect was evident as the cheered the Crown Prince. Later, the Crown Prince cut a cake with the team onboard Royal Jordanian Airlines, the country's flagship carrier. Watch the video below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Royal Jordanian (@royaljordanian) And on Friday, the Crown Prince and the squad touched down in Jordan where they were received by Prince Faisal bin Al Hussein and Prince Hashem bin Abdullah. Watch the video below: #جابÙ�Ù�ا_اÙ�أبطاÙ� #اÙ�أبطاÙ�_Ù�Ù�_اÙ�Ù�Ù�Ù�دÙ�اÙ� — Jordan FA - اÙ�اذØاد اÙ�أردÙ�Ù� Ù�Ù�رة اÙ�Ù�دÙ� (@JordanFA) June 6, 2025 Crown Prince later took to Instagram where he posted a video which contained footage chronicling Jordan's footballing journey and he wrote: "After a long journey, the dream is now a reality. This is for every Jordanian who believed in the dream." Watch the video below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Al Hussein bin Abdullah II (@alhusseinjo) Ahead of the game, the Crown Prince shared a heartwarming Instagram story of his daughter Princess Iman wearing the team's jersey.
