Discover the Inspiring Journey of Jordan's National Football Team: A Path to World Cup Glory Explore the remarkable history and significant accomplishments of Jordan's national football team as they navigate their way to the World Cup. Learn about their milestones, key players, and the passion that fuels their pursuit of international success. Join us in celebrating their dedication and resilience on the road to football's most prestigious tournament.
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The Jordan national football team, known as Al Nashama or ‘The Chivalrous Ones’, represents the Kingdom of Jordan in men’s international football. Governed by the Jordan Football Association, the team has experienced significant evolution since its inception.
From their inaugural match in 1953 against Syria to recent milestones, the journey has been marked by determination and growth.
A notable achievement includes a runner-up finish at the AFC Asian Cup, solidifying Jordan’s position as a competitive force in Asian football.
Historical milestones and tournament participation
Jordan’s football journey began with challenges; their first international match resulted in a 3-1 defeat to Syria in Egypt.
This setback did not deter future participation. The team entered the FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the 1986 tournament, marking the start of their quest for international recognition.
Over the years, Jordan has made significant progress, participating in five editions of the AFC Asian Cup and reaching the semi-finals of the FIFA Arab Cup in 1988 and 2002.
They also secured the Arab Games title twice, in 1997 and 1999, demonstrating their regional prowess.
Coaching and leadership changes
The team has experienced various leadership changes that influenced performance. Under coach Mohammad Awad, Jordan won two Arab Games championships. It was Mahmoud El-Gohary who led the team to its first AFC Asian Cup qualification in 2004, achieving a quarter-final finish after a tense penalty shootout against Japan.
Despite mixed results in subsequent tournaments, including the WAFF Championships—where they finished third in 2004 and reached the semi-finals in 2007—the team maintained its spirit. The appointment of Nelo Vingada brought renewed hope, although the team faced ongoing challenges in securing World Cup qualifications.
Recent successes and future aspirations
In recent years, the Jordan national team has made significant advancements under the management of Hossam Hassan. His leadership led Jordan to the finals of the AFC Asian Cup for the first time in history, highlighting the team’s growth and resilience.
During the knockout stages, Jordan demonstrated remarkable skill, defeating strong opponents such as Iraq and South Korea, before finishing as runners-up against Qatar. This achievement improved Jordan’s FIFA ranking to its highest since 2014, reaching 70th place.
World Cup qualification journey
The journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been equally thrilling. On June 5, 2025, Jordan secured their place in the tournament with a convincing 3-0 victory over Oman, marking their first-ever World Cup qualification. This milestone has generated excitement and pride among Jordanian fans.
The team plays its home matches at two prominent stadiums: the Amman International Stadium and the King Abdullah II Stadium. The Amman International Stadium, built in 1964, is the largest in Jordan, while the King Abdullah II Stadium, opened in 1998, serves as another venue for the team’s home games.
From their inaugural match in 1953 against Syria to recent milestones, the journey has been marked by determination and growth. A notable achievement includes a runner-up finish at the AFC Asian Cup, solidifying Jordan’s position as a competitive force in Asian football.0
