fazTimes media: AMMAN – In a historic moment that has sent waves of celebration across the Arab world, Jordan became the first Arab country to officially qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is not just the feat itself, but how it was accomplished through belief, resilience, and the quiet brilliance of a lesser-known Moroccan coach, Jamal Sellami, whose appointment raised few eyebrows but delivered big results.

A Dream Realized: 40 Years in the Making

Jordan has participated in World Cup qualifiers since 1985, but until now, they had never crossed the line into football’s biggest stage. There have been near misses, especially in 2013, when Jordan reached the intercontinental playoff but fell to a powerful Uruguay team. Since then, the Jordanian Football Association has tried different strategies. They brought in well-known English coaches like Harry Redknapp and the late Ray Wilkins, hoping their experience would bring success.

But despite their decorated resumes, those campaigns ended in disappointment. In contrast, Jamal Sellami, a Moroccan tactician with no major European clubs on his resume, brought a simple philosophy: discipline, belief, and playing to the team's strengths.

The Rise Begins with Ammouta

Before Sellami, another Moroccan, Hussein Ammouta, had already laid down the groundwork. In 2023, under his leadership, Jordan stunned Asia with a Cinderella run in the AFC Asian Cup, including a memorable 2-0 win over South Korea in the semifinals. They lost to Qatar in the final, but the message was clear: Jordan had arrived as a serious force in Asian football.

Though Ammouta stepped down shortly afterward, his legacy lived on. The players had tasted success. They had a belief. All they needed was someone to carry the momentum forward, and that’s where Sellami stepped in.

Sellami’s Blueprint for Success

Unlike previous coaches, Sellami didn’t try to turn Jordan into a team that mimicked European giants. Instead, he focused on what the squad was naturally good at: defensive organization and fast, clinical counterattacks.

Under his guidance, Jordan played compact, resilient football, soaking up pressure and breaking quickly with pace and precision. This style proved highly effective in the third round of Asian qualifiers, where they were drawn into a tough group featuring South Korea, Iraq, and Oman.

Jordan held their own and finished second in Group B with 16 points from 10 matches, trailing only South Korea. They conceded just 8 goals, the second-best defensive record in the group.

Star Performers Who Made It Happen

While the system and strategy were key, the players executed the plan brilliantly.

Ali Olwan, the team’s leading striker, netted 9 goals in the qualifiers, including a hat-trick in the decisive 3-0 win against Oman.
Musa Al-Tamari, Jordan’s star winger and the first Jordanian to play in a top European league (with France’s Rennes), added 7 goals and countless assists.
Yazan Al-Naimat chipped in with 5 goals, often providing the spark in tight games.

This attacking trio was backed by a disciplined midfield and a solid backline, proving that Jordan wasn’t just about one or two standout players; it was a well-balanced, united squad.

The Night It All Changed

June 5, 2025, is a date that will go down in Jordanian sports history. The team’s resounding 3-0 victory over Oman virtually sealed their World Cup ticket. Later that night, South Korea’s 2-0 win over Iraq confirmed Jordan’s qualification, and the nation erupted in celebration. In Amman, thousands took to the streets waving flags, dancing, and singing in joy. Fireworks lit up the skies. Families, friends, and strangers embraced in disbelief and happiness.

Even King Abdullah II, watching from London, joined the festivities by wearing the national team jersey and posting a heartfelt message on social media. What made the moment even more special? It coincided with Eid Al Adha, giving Jordanians two reasons to celebrate.

Coach Sellami Speaks

In the post-match press conference, Jamal Sellami paid tribute to the entire football community in Jordan.

“This is not just a win for the players or the staff. It’s a win for every Jordanian who believed we could do this. From the federation to the fans, this moment belongs to all of us,” he said.

He also hinted that this was only the beginning.

“Qualifying is great. But now we must prepare. We want to compete, not just participate.”

Lessons for the Arab World

Jordan’s success has offered a blueprint for other Arab nations. While countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar have invested heavily in foreign coaches and flashy football infrastructure, Jordan quietly built a cohesive unit by betting on regional talent and long-term vision. It’s especially striking that while Saudi Arabia, a team that shocked Argentina in 2022, still struggles through playoffs to qualify, Jordan has already secured their spot through teamwork, planning, and belief.

What Comes Next?

With the World Cup still over a year away, Jordan has time to prepare. The focus will now shift to international friendlies, conditioning, and mental preparation for the biggest stage in football. Drawn likely into a group with global heavyweights, Jordan may enter as underdogs but with nothing to lose and everything to gain.

“Let them underestimate us,” said striker Ali Olwan in a recent interview. “That’s when we are most dangerous.”

Conclusion: A Dream Realized, A New Journey Begins

Jordan’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup isn’t just a football story. It’s a story of perseverance, smart decisions, and national pride. It reminds us that even the so-called “smaller nations” can achieve great things when the right people are in the right place and when belief outweighs budget. Now, the world will watch as Jordan prepares to write the next chapter in their incredible football journey, this time on the grandest stage of them all.

Stay tuned with fazTimes for exclusive interviews, analysis, and behind-the-scenes coverage as Jordan gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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