Skip to main content

AFC · Group J · FIFA #64

Jordan

Jordan's first-ever World Cup — Jamal Sellami builds around qualifying-third-top-scorer Ali Olwan and Montpellier's Musa Al-Tamari after a stunning Asian qualifying run

Jordan at the World Cup 2026

Jordan arrive at the 2026 World Cup making their first-ever appearance — a historic moment for the country after four decades of qualifying near-misses. Jamal Sellami, the Moroccan head coach appointed in 2024, has architected the qualification campaign and led the squad through the build-up.

The squad's defining individuals are Musa Al-Tamari (Montpellier) — the Jordanian-Palestinian winger who has shown European-level quality — and Ali Olwan (Al-Wakrah), the 26-year-old striker who finished third in AFC qualifying with 9 goals (including a hat-trick in the final qualifying match). The 2023 Asian Cup runner-up campaign demonstrated this generation's tournament-readiness.

Group J contains Argentina, Algeria and Austria. Jordan are the heavy outsiders at 5.50 to top the group. The realistic ceiling is one credible group-stage result. Outright tournament price 1001.0.

Outright odds — Jordan to win World Cup 2026

Group J fixtures

All three group-stage matches for Jordan at World Cup 2026 with current odds from our partner books.

Squad & predicted XI

Shafi · Al-Naimat, Abu Zrayq, Anan, Al-Mardi, Nasib · Tamari (c), Yousef Abu Jalboush, Al-Taamari · Olwan, Al-Rashdan

Formation: 5-3-2 · Coach: Jamal Sellami

Key players in the 2026 squad
PlayerPositionClubCapsGoals
Yazeed Abu Layla GK Al-Wehdat 20 0
Salem Al-Ajalin DF Al-Faisaly 50 1
Bara' Marei DF Al-Faisaly 40 2
Ihsan Haddad DF Al-Wehdat 30 1
Ehsan Haddad DF Al-Wehdat 25 0
Noor Al-Rawabdeh MF Al-Faisaly 22 1
Mahmoud Al-Mardi MF Maccabi Haifa 38 4
Yazan Al-Naimat FW Al-Wakrah 38 6
Musa Al-Tamari (c) FW Montpellier 50 16
Ali Olwan FW Al-Wakrah 30 14

How Jordan qualified for World Cup 2026

Jordan qualified from AFC Round 3 Group B, finishing second behind South Korea with 19 points from 10 matches. Six wins, one draw, three defeats. Sealed qualification with a 2-1 home win over Oman in October 2025; Olwan's hat-trick in the 4-0 final qualifier against Kuwait confirmed his form.

The qualifying campaign was characterised by defensive resilience — Sellami's 5-3-2 system has been compared to Morocco's tactical approach at Qatar 2022. Tamari finished as the squad's qualifying creative force, contributing 7 assists from his right-of-front-two position.

World Cup history

Jordan's 2026 World Cup is their first-ever appearance at the tournament. The nation has competed in the AFC Asian Cup nine times, with their runner-up finish at the 2023 edition (lost 3-1 to Qatar in the final) the high-water mark of Jordanian football. The 2026 squad is significantly different from the 2023 runner-up side, with Sellami integrating new diaspora talent.

All-time team records
PlayerPositionClubCapsGoals
Hassouneh Al-Sheikh FW retired 88 30
Hatem Aqel FW retired 72 18
Musa Al-Tamari FW Montpellier 50 16
Faisal Ibrahim FW retired 70 17
Mahmoud Shelbaieh MF retired 60 14
Ali Olwan FW Al-Wakrah 30 14

FAQ

Is this Jordan's first World Cup?

Yes. Jordan's 2026 World Cup is their first-ever appearance at the tournament after four decades of qualifying near-misses. The country has competed in the AFC Asian Cup nine times, with the 2023 final (lost 3-1 to Qatar) the previous high-water mark.

Who is Jordan's coach at World Cup 2026?

Jamal Sellami, the Moroccan head coach appointed in 2024. He delivered the historic 2026 qualification and has called on his players to 'emulate the brilliance' of his home nation Morocco at Qatar 2022.

Who is Jordan's most-experienced player?

Captain Musa Al-Tamari (Montpellier) — 50 caps, 16 goals, widely seen as Jordan's best-ever footballer. Ali Olwan (Al-Wakrah, 14 goals) was the third-highest scorer in AFC qualifying with 9 goals including a hat-trick in the final match.

Who is Jordan's all-time top scorer?

Hassouneh Al-Sheikh with 30 goals from 88 caps. The mid-2000s striker retired in 2014. Hatem Aqel sits second on 18 goals; Faisal Ibrahim third on 17.

What group is Jordan in at World Cup 2026?

Group J alongside Argentina, Algeria and Austria. Jordan are the heavy outsiders. They open against Austria on 17 June, face Algeria on 22 June (MD2), and conclude with what could be the biggest match in the nation's history — Argentina.