World Cup 2026

Jordan

Jordan's Nashama: History-Makers Ready to Shock Group J

Out at the group stageFIFA #64Group J — Argentina · Algeria · Austria

FutAve take

The Story

Jordan arrive at their first-ever World Cup not as passengers but as genuine disruptors, having steamrolled Asian qualifying with a record-breaking goal haul. Ranked 64th and drawn into Group J alongside Austria, Algeria, and Argentina, the Nashama carry the weight of a nation's debut — and the mentality of a side that refuses to know its place.

How they qualified

Jordan topped their Asian qualifying group with four wins, a draw, and just one loss, ending the campaign on a sensational six-match unbeaten run. They sealed the historic berth with a dominant away victory over Oman, scoring a staggering 32 goals across the full qualification journey — the most in a single campaign in their history. Head Coach Jamal Sellami called it an 'ambition realised', and an entire nation celebrated.

Why watch

A first-ever World Cup debut, a spine-tingling underdog narrative, and a genuinely dangerous attack facing the defending champions in the same group — Jordan are the neutral fan's dream. Watch them against Argentina for what could be the tournament's most seismic upset bid, and don't sleep on their capacity to silence Algeria and Austria either.

Squad spotlight

Players to Know

The Star

Mousa Tamari

Rennes

Mousa Tamari is Jordan's captain and primary attacking weapon, plying his trade at Rennes and lighting up the right wing.

Why they matter

Tamari is the engine of Jordan's attacking identity — the player opponents fear most and the one most likely to conjure a moment of magic on the sport's grandest stage. In a debut World Cup, he carries the weight and the joy of a nation.

Watch for

His directness on the right wing, ability to isolate defenders one-on-one, and willingness to drive into the penalty area under pressure. Against Austria and Algeria especially, his transitions from deep could be the difference.

The X-Factor

Ali Olwan

Al Sailiya

Ali Olwan is a centre forward at Al Sailiya who fought back from injury to earn his place in Jordan's historic first World Cup squad.

Why they matter

Olwan's road to the squad is a story in itself — battling back from an Achilles injury to step into the void left by a key absentee. His hunger and finishing instinct make him a constant threat inside the box, and his presence gives Jordan a genuine focal point up top.

Watch for

Movement in the channels, ability to hold up play under pressure, and the clinical edge to punish any defensive lapse. He is the man Jordan will trust when the moment demands a goal.

The Glue Guy

Noor Al-Rawabdeh

Noor Al-Rawabdeh is a central midfielder based at Selangor who provides the connective tissue in Jordan's engine room.

Why they matter

In a team where the spotlight falls on attackers, Al-Rawabdeh does the unglamorous work that makes everything else function — pressing, recycling possession, and covering ground to keep Jordan's shape intact against higher-ranked opposition.

Watch for

His positioning between the lines against Argentina and Austria's technically superior midfields, and how he manages the tempo when Jordan are defending their hard-earned leads.

The Breakout Candidate

Odeh Fakhouri

Pyramids FC

Odeh Fakhouri is a left winger at Pyramids FC, bringing Egyptian top-flight experience to Jordan's debut World Cup squad.

Why they matter

Fakhouri offers Jordan a creative outlet on the opposite flank to Tamari, giving head coach Sellami genuine width and unpredictability in attack. On the biggest stage for the first time, he has everything to prove and nothing to lose.

Watch for

His combination play with the left back, willingness to cut inside and shoot, and whether he can seize his moment when Jordan need a spark off the bench or from the start.

The FutAve Watch

Shararh

Raja Casablanca

Shararh is a right winger wearing #7 for Jordan, based at Raja Casablanca and bringing North African club football flair to the squad.

Why they matter

Playing for one of the most storied clubs in African football, Shararh arrives at the World Cup with a different edge to many of his teammates — accustomed to high-pressure, high-atmosphere environments and opponents who demand respect.

Watch for

His ability to interchange with Tamari on the right side, create overloads, and deliver in the moments when Jordan's attack needs a second creative voice beyond their captain.

FutAve layer