On Thursday, Jordan’s national soccer team became the first from the country to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. They sealed passage to the World Cup with a historic 3-0 win over Oman. That historic accomplishment was confirmed when South Korea beat Iraq 2-0, automatically qualifying Jordan for the 2026 tournament. This win was already a historic victory — Jordanian football’s biggest scalp — on the second-to-last day of Asian qualifying.
Her success was celebrated from coast to coast. Euphoric Jordanians took to the streets of Amman, waving flags out of car windows, honking car horns, and singing nationalistic hymns jubilantly. Despite the recent attacks that left the city wounded, the excitement was undeniable across the capital, expressing the hope and perseverance of the people. Meanwhile, across the Mediterranean, King Abdullah II of Jordan was visiting Europe on a working visit. He saw the final game from the Jordanian embassy in London. The royal court even used the occasion to showcase photos of the King wearing a national team uniform. This demonstrated his enthusiastic encouragement for the team’s historic accomplishment.
Celebrations and National Pride
In Amman, the celebrations started as soon as they qualified. Citizens shared their excitement and pride in every way imaginable. Sohad Idrissi, 48, a housewife, reflecting on the team’s success.
“They played a beautiful game and deserved to qualify for the World Cup,” – Sohad Idrissi.
In an already exuberant celebratory mood, she continued, this qualification came at the same time as Eid al-Adha, boosting the jubilant mood sweeping Jordanians even more. Hundreds more went to social media to express their elation, congratulations, and excitement for this news.
Fadi Qalanzi, 21, a university student at the time, expressed the same feeling, that this was a unique moment for the young nation.
“A dream that is finally coming true,” – Fadi Qalanzi.
He did recognize the remarkable effort his team put forth in qualifiers, particularly how deserving they are of their World Cup berth.
Historic Moment for Jordanian Football
As historic of a victory as this is, the road to getting here was not without its frustrations. Mousa Tamari, probably the most decorated Jordanian player ever, shines in the French first division with Stade Rennais. He’s been key in helping to guide his side through the qualifiers. Together with teammates Abdallah Nasib, Yazan Al-Naimat, and Muhannad Abu Taha, they realized their incredible accomplishment after beating Oman.
Jordan’s former matches showcased standout performances, including Ali Olwin’s hat-trick in a crucial game that helped etch their name in football history. Nashat Badr, a 55-year-old teacher, looked back on this journey with unabashed delight.
“It was about time; this is a joy we’d been waiting for a long time,” – Nashat Badr.
He added that this qualification is a testament to the hard work, creativity and commitment from his whole team.
For 60-year-old retired civil servant Osama al-Shreeda, this win was symbolically momentous for Jordanian athletes everywhere.
“It’s a great opportunity for our team and its players to be recognized globally,” – Osama al-Shreeda.
Messages from Leadership
When news broke of Jordan’s qualification, King Abdullah II issued his warmest congratulations to the squad and the country. Since then he conveyed his pride in a fiery message posted on social media platforms X and Facebook.
“I wholeheartedly congratulate the sons and daughters of our dear people on our national football team’s qualification for the World Cup finals,” – King Abdullah II.
The monarchy’s expression of support is a celebration of athletic achievement. Perhaps more important to many Jordanians, this day represents a unifying moment for all Jordanians. Despite not seeing a single match, the collaboration and fighting spirit displayed by the national team during the competition galvanized hope and pride among Ugandans.
