FIFA World Cup
Drawn in a tough Group J with defending champions Argentina, Austria and Algeria their challengers, the West Asian side did not let the occasion overawe them and left North America with the respectable record of having scored in all their matches.
Jamal Sellami's side kicked off their campaign with a 3-1 defeat against Austria, with Ali Olwan netting their first ever goal on the global stage in the 50th minute.
While Austria looked to have sealed an easy win, it was the exact opposite as Jordan held their own for the most part of the match.
While Austria looked to have sealed an easy win, it was the exact opposite as Jordan held their own for the most part of the match.
Up next were Algeria and Jordan got off to a dream start with Nizar Al Rashdan putting them ahead in the 36th minute.
It wasn't to be, however, as Algeria struck twice in the second half to take the points.
It wasn't to be, however, as Algeria struck twice in the second half to take the points.
Two defeats meant early elimination with Lionel Messi's Argentina their concluding opponents.
The South American side took a two-goal lead into the break but Jordan valiantly fought on, with Mousa Al Tamari pulling one back - the first time Argentina's defence had been breached at the tournament.
In fact, the points were only sealed after Messi came off the bench to net Argentina's third.
The South American side took a two-goal lead into the break but Jordan valiantly fought on, with Mousa Al Tamari pulling one back - the first time Argentina's defence had been breached at the tournament.
In fact, the points were only sealed after Messi came off the bench to net Argentina's third.
Three fighting performances will give Jordan confidence as they prepare for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, with the 2023 runners-up drawn in Group B alongside Uzbekistan, Bahrain and DPR Korea.
Sellami stepped down after the FIFA World Cup and has been replaced by Moroccan compatriot Badou Zaki and the former goalkeeper inherits a squad filled with talented players and will work on ensuring Jordan are ready to challenge for the continental title.
Sellami stepped down after the FIFA World Cup and has been replaced by Moroccan compatriot Badou Zaki and the former goalkeeper inherits a squad filled with talented players and will work on ensuring Jordan are ready to challenge for the continental title.
