FIFA World Cup
Jamal Sellami's side face Austria in a tough Group J on their World Cup debut on June 16, followed by Algeria and then reigning champions Argentina in their final pool game in Dallas.
Factfile
FIFA Ranking: 63
Previous appearances: Nil
How they qualified: AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Group B runners-up
Group G fixtures - June 16: v Austria; June 22: v Algeria; June 27: v Argentina
Fun fact: Jordan qualified for their debut FIFA World Cup Finals at the 10th time of trying
FIFA Ranking: 63
Previous appearances: Nil
How they qualified: AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Group B runners-up
Group G fixtures - June 16: v Austria; June 22: v Algeria; June 27: v Argentina
Fun fact: Jordan qualified for their debut FIFA World Cup Finals at the 10th time of trying
The tournament expanding to 48 teams from 32 helped propel Jordan to their maiden finals.
"We have the right to dream," the former Moroccan international Sellami said. "We are not thinking like a team satisfied with mere participation."
"We have the right to dream," the former Moroccan international Sellami said. "We are not thinking like a team satisfied with mere participation."
#AsianQualifiers - Road To 26 | Group B : Oman 0 - 3 Jordan
Jordan had eight wins, five draws and three defeats from their 16 qualifying matches, coming second behind Korea Republic in their group to make a slice of history.
A 3-0 win over Oman on the penultimate matchday meant their historic qualification was confirmed after Iraq lost to Korea Republic.
Huge celebrations erupted in Amman, fans driving through the capital honking their horns and chanting while others waved the national flag in triumph.
A 3-0 win over Oman on the penultimate matchday meant their historic qualification was confirmed after Iraq lost to Korea Republic.
Huge celebrations erupted in Amman, fans driving through the capital honking their horns and chanting while others waved the national flag in triumph.
#AsianCup2023 | Semi-final : Jordan 2 - 0 Korea Republic
It was a second major milestone for the national side in 16 months, having reached their first AFC Asian Cup™ final.
They were beaten 3-1 by hosts Qatar in the continental decider in February 2024 but were hugely impressive in getting there against all expectations under their much-admired previous coach Hussein Ammouta.
The exciting attacking duo of Yazan Al Naimat and Mousa Al Tamari were pivotal in that run, terrorising the Korea Republic defence in a 2-0 win over Son Heung-min's side in the semi-finals.
They were beaten 3-1 by hosts Qatar in the continental decider in February 2024 but were hugely impressive in getting there against all expectations under their much-admired previous coach Hussein Ammouta.
The exciting attacking duo of Yazan Al Naimat and Mousa Al Tamari were pivotal in that run, terrorising the Korea Republic defence in a 2-0 win over Son Heung-min's side in the semi-finals.
But Naimat will miss the World Cup in North America with a serious knee injury, one of several injury blows to the Jordan squad.
The undoubted star of the Jordan squad is the winger Tamari.
Dubbed "Jordan's Messi", he plays for Rennes in France's top flight, where he scored five goals and provided the same number of assists this season.
The undoubted star of the Jordan squad is the winger Tamari.
Dubbed "Jordan's Messi", he plays for Rennes in France's top flight, where he scored five goals and provided the same number of assists this season.
The 28-year-old is pacy, skilful and hard working, hitting 21 goals for his country in 70 games.
With the all-action Naimat out and striker Ali Olwan also under an injury cloud, Tamari will carry a heavy burden.
With the all-action Naimat out and striker Ali Olwan also under an injury cloud, Tamari will carry a heavy burden.
The 55-year-old Sellami, who played for Morocco at the World Cup in France in 1998, said: "Injuries are our number one opponent, but we will not use them as excuses.
"We will prepare properly and aim for a respectable performance. The whole world wants to see who we are, and that in itself is motivation."
As for facing Messi, Sellami said: "We don't know if football will produce another player like him. Of course the players will want to take pictures with him."
Sources: AFP, AFC
"We will prepare properly and aim for a respectable performance. The whole world wants to see who we are, and that in itself is motivation."
As for facing Messi, Sellami said: "We don't know if football will produce another player like him. Of course the players will want to take pictures with him."
Sources: AFP, AFC
