Latest news with #JordanFootballAssociation
Ammon
a day ago
- Sport
- Ammon
World Cup Qualification expected to elevate local football season
Ammon News - Local football analysts anticipate a more competitive and technically advanced football season in Jordan following the national team's historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a first for the country and a milestone that is set to influence the domestic football landscape positively. Experts emphasized that the global stage of the World Cup represents the pinnacle of achievement for players, and the dream of representing Jordan at such a level will drive club players to perform at their highest levels. This heightened motivation is expected to raise the standard of national competitions, including the Jordanian Pro League, the Jordan Cup, and the Shield. The Jordan Football Association has announced that the 2025–2026 football season will officially begin on July 21 with the Super Cup, followed by the start of the Professional League on July 31. National team coach Issa Al-Turk stated that World Cup qualification should be strategically invested in to benefit both national teams and local clubs. He noted that every player now has the opportunity to earn a spot on the roster through consistent performance in domestic leagues, which will inevitably raise the overall level of play. Former national team and Al-Ramtha player Badran Al-Shaqran highlighted the potential improvements in technical skills and football infrastructure. He described the qualification as a long-awaited moment that will inspire players to strive for excellence, creating a more exciting and competitive league season. Coach Mohammed Al-Ababneh echoed this sentiment, saying that the motivation to join the World Cup squad will fuel stronger performances and ultimately benefit Jordanian football. He stressed the importance of capitalizing on the national team's success and wished the squad well in its future matches on the world stage. Petra
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jordan's long road to World Cup qualification took a strange diversion
Would Harry Redknapp have taken Jordan to the World Cup had the 2018 tournament featured 48 teams instead of 32 and Asia had eight spots instead of four? It is an interesting question but the former West Ham manager's short time in charge in 2016, not long after Ray Wilkins had the job, is not a subject anyone in the capital, Amman, is much focused on at the moment. 'Redknapp and Wilkins? Now is not the time to talk about that,' said a smiling Jordan Football Association official on Monday. The reaction given the country has just qualified for a first World Cup and is in serious party mode is understandable. Advertisement Related: Socceroos taken from brink of disaster to automatic World Cup 2026 qualification | Joey Lynch Before Tuesday's game at home to Iraq the sky above Amman's International Stadium came alive with drones displaying images of King Abdullah II, crown prince Al-Hussein bin Abdullah II and then a fighter jet, a tank and '2026'. It was impressive, and it is doubtful many of those present were also contemplating an image of Redknapp driving away from Jordan's training, winding down the windows to chat about the World Cup with waiting journalists before turning past the shisha bars and restaurants on Al Shahid Street and heading back to his hotel. In March 2016, Redknapp was brought in for two World Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh and Australia. It was a short-lived rollercoaster, more of a gyro drop really, an 8-0 win followed by a 5-1 loss. There cannot be many international coaches with a higher goals per game average. Redknapp wanted to extend his contract if the team reached the third round of qualification but Jordan were fifth of the eight best group runners-up and only the top four went through. These days, they would be in the final stage. Wilkins had been appointed in September 2014, taking his former Manchester United teammate Frank Stapleton with him. His five-month contract was not extended after Jordan did not make it out of their group at the Asian Cup the following January, finishing third behind Japan and a talented Iraq team. A year later Redknapp followed. Advertisement Hiring English coaches was the doing of the Jordan FA president, Prince Ali bin al-Hussein, who challenged Sepp Blatter for the Fifa presidency in 2015. None of it really worked out. Wilkins and Redknapp were not around long enough to do much. 'I haven't got a magic wand. I can't come here and suddenly go: 'We're going to play like Brazil,'' Redknapp said. 'If I can get another 5% to make the difference I'll be delighted.' He was right. There isn't a magic wand and although the expanded World Cup helps, Jordan's qualification is not all about that either. 'This achievement comes after years of hard work from players and the Jordan FA,' said the team's Moroccan coach, Jamal Sellami. 'This historic qualification is for all the people who believed in us.' The improvement has been slow and steady. A solid mid-ranking team that long enjoyed being a stubborn underdog and giving more illustrious opponents a bloody nose in Amman have become something more. The 2023 Asian Cup was testament to that. Jordan won their first knockout games at the tournament and outclassed Jürgen Klinsmann's South Korea in the semi-final before losing to the hosts, Qatar. Related: Vinícius books Brazil's place at World Cup as Ancelotti plays with four forwards Advertisement The coach Hussein Ammouta had much to do with it. The FA appointed the Moroccan in June 2023 instead of looking to Europe. He had a fine résumé, if one little known outside the Arab world, having secured continental prizes at club and country level as well as domestic trophies. Under him Jordan were happy to let opponents have possession and ready to take advantage of mistakes and be devastating on the counter. Attackers such as Yazan al-Naimat and Rennes' Musa al-Tamari, a rare Europe-based player, though that may change soon, lit up the tournament. Ammouta left in June 2024, citing family reasons, and there was some annoyance when he was appointed by the UAE club Al Jazira a few weeks later and much stronger feelings when it looked as if he might take the Iraq job in April. This was not only down to rivalry but also because the two were fighting it out for the second 2026 World Cup automatic qualification spot in Group B behind South Korea. Ammouta decided against it. His successor, Sellami, sealed the deal last week with a 3-0 win in Oman. Five days later, Iraq came to town for the final group game, a dead rubber. The party was alive, flags flying from cars heading to the stadium, billboards showing congratulations and fans talking of who they want at the World Cup. Brazil, Portugal, Argentina and Spain were mentioned. England were high on the list too and, if it happens, then it will be a perfect time to talk about Redknapp, Wilkins and their Amman adventure.
The Guardian
11-06-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Jordan's long road to World Cup qualification took a strange diversion
Would Harry Redknapp have taken Jordan to the World Cup had the 2018 tournament featured 48 teams instead of 32 and Asia had eight spots instead of four? It is an interesting question but the former West Ham manager's short time in charge in 2016, not long after Ray Wilkins had the job, is not a subject anyone in the capital, Amman, is much focused on at the moment. 'Redknapp and Wilkins? Now is not the time to talk about that,' said a smiling Jordan Football Association official on Monday. The reaction given the country has just qualified for a first World Cup and is in serious party mode is understandable. Before Tuesday's game at home to Iraq the sky above Amman's International Stadium came alive with drones displaying images of King Abdullah II, crown prince Al-Hussein bin Abdullah II and then a fighter jet, a tank and '2026'. It was impressive, and it is doubtful many of those present were also contemplating an image of Redknapp driving away from Jordan's training, winding down the windows to chat about the World Cup with waiting journalists before turning past the shisha bars and restaurants on Al Shahid Street and heading back to his hotel. In March 2016, Redknapp was brought in for two World Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh and Australia. It was a short-lived rollercoaster, more of a gyro drop really, an 8-0 win followed by a 5-1 loss. There cannot be many international coaches with a higher goals per game average. Redknapp wanted to extend his contract if the team reached the third round of qualification but Jordan were fifth of the eight best group runners-up and only the top four went through. These days, they would be in the final stage. Wilkins had been appointed in September 2014, taking his former Manchester United teammate Frank Stapleton with him. His five-month contract was not extended after Jordan did not make it out of their group at the Asian Cup the following January, finishing third behind Japan and a talented Iraq team. A year later Redknapp followed. Hiring English coaches was the doing of the Jordan FA president, Prince Ali bin al-Hussein, who challenged Sepp Blatter for the Fifa presidency in 2015. None of it really worked out. Wilkins and Redknapp were not around long enough to do much. 'I haven't got a magic wand. I can't come here and suddenly go: 'We're going to play like Brazil,'' Redknapp said. 'If I can get another 5% to make the difference I'll be delighted.' He was right. There isn't a magic wand and although the expanded World Cup helps, Jordan's qualification is not all about that either. 'This achievement comes after years of hard work from players and the Jordan FA,' said the team's Moroccan coach, Jamal Sellami. 'This historic qualification is for all the people who believed in us.' The improvement has been slow and steady. A solid mid-ranking team that long enjoyed being a stubborn underdog and giving more illustrious opponents a bloody nose in Amman have become something more. The 2023 Asian Cup was testament to that. Jordan won their first knockout games at the tournament and outclassed Jürgen Klinsmann's South Korea in the semi-final before losing to the hosts, Qatar. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion The coach Hussein Ammouta had much to do with it. The FA appointed the Moroccan in June 2023 instead of looking to Europe. He had a fine résumé, if one little known outside the Arab world, having secured continental prizes at club and country level as well as domestic trophies. Under him Jordan were happy to let opponents have possession and ready to take advantage of mistakes and be devastating on the counter. Attackers such as Yazan al-Naimat and Rennes' Musa al-Tamari, a rare Europe-based player, though that may change soon, lit up the tournament. Ammouta left in June 2024, citing family reasons, and there was some annoyance when he was appointed by the UAE club Al Jazira a few weeks later and much stronger feelings when it looked as if he might take the Iraq job in April. This was not only down to rivalry but also because the two were fighting it out for the second 2026 World Cup automatic qualification spot in Group B behind South Korea. Ammouta decided against it. His successor, Sellami, sealed the deal last week with a 3-0 win in Oman. Five days later, Iraq came to town for the final group game, a dead rubber. The party was alive, flags flying from cars heading to the stadium, billboards showing congratulations and fans talking of who they want at the World Cup. Brazil, Portugal, Argentina and Spain were mentioned. England were high on the list too and, if it happens, then it will be a perfect time to talk about Redknapp, Wilkins and their Amman adventure.
Roya News
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Roya News
Nashama set to arrive in Amman Friday following first-ever World Cup qualification
The Jordan Football Association announced that the national team, the Nashama, will return to the capital, Amman, on Friday afternoon following their historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — the first in the country's history. The team's landmark achievement came after a series of standout performances starting from the 2024 AFC Asian Cup and the following World Cup qualification games. Jordanians are now eagerly awaiting the team's return on Friday, with a large public and official reception expected in celebration of the historic milestone. Jordan will face Iraq next Tuesday, June 10, at 9:15 PM local time in the final fixture of Group B's qualifying games.
Ammon
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Ammon
National Football Team qualifies for World Cup
Ammon News - After defeating their Omani opponent 3-0 on Thursday, the Jordanian national football team made history by earning a spot in the 2026 World Cup. His Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II attended the game in Muscat's Qaboos International Stadium. Her Highness Princess Rajwa Al Hussein, His Highness Prince Hashem bin Abdullah II, Her Highness Princess Iman bint Abdullah II, Her Highness Princess Salma bint Abdullah II, His Highness Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, and President of the Jordan Football Association and President of the West Asian Football Federation. Following victories over Oman and its sister team, Iraq, in a match against South Korea, the national team qualified for the World Cup. In the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time, Ali Alwan opened the scoring with a penalty kick, giving the team a hat-trick. Then, in the 51st and 63rd minutes, he added the second and third goals. In the ninth and penultimate round of the 2026 World Cup qualifying round, the national team qualified for the tournament. Yazeed Abu Laila, Yazan Al-Arab, Abdullah Naseeb, Ahmed Assaf, Mohammed Abu Al-Nadi, Ibrahim Saada, Amer Abu Jamous, Muhannad Abu Taha, Yazan Naimat, Musa Al-Taamari, and Ali Alwan were among the players who started for the national team against Oman. In the tenth and last round of the World Cup qualifying round, the national team will play their Iraqi counterpart in Amman International Stadium next Tuesday at 9:15 PM.
