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Jordan’s World Cup 2026 Journey: From Redknapp to Messi

BBC Sport Football •
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Jordan earned a spot in the 2026 World Cup after a 48‑team expansion, a first for the nation of 11 million. The qualification campaign saw them finish second in the second AFC round, topping Saudi Arabia in the first stage. Their debut faces Argentina on 27 June, a showdown with Lionel Messi in the match today.

Coach Jamal Sellami, a Moroccan, steered Jordan to the final qualifying spot after a 3‑0 win over Oman. He praised the squad’s resilience, noting that the team had grown from a group of hopefuls to a competitive side capable of holding its own against established powerhouses like Costa Rica and Nigeria in preparations for the World Cup.

Captain Musa Al‑Taamari, a Rennes striker, leads the attack with 29 senior goals. He says the journey matters more than money, reflecting national pride. Defender Yazan Al‑Arab and midfielder Nizar Al‑Rashdan anchor the midfield, while veteran Ali Olwan provides experience across the front line in their quest to prove their worth on the biggest stage ever for football.

Jordan’s first World Cup will test whether the years of restructuring pay off. Facing Argentina in Arlington, Texas, they must deliver a top‑grade performance to advance. The match will also give fans in Santa Clara, California, a chance to witness a historic moment as their nation steps onto football’s grandest stage.