Share Story
AMMAN — Under the eyes of His Majesty King Abdullah, Jordan wrapped up their World Cup qualification campaign with a festive match against Iraq at Amman International Stadium, a celebration of a historic achievement already sealed days earlier.
Although The Nashama fell 1-0 after a 77th-minute goal from Iraq’s Sajjad Jasim, the match was less about the result and more about the moment. With qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup already secured, Jordanian players played without pressure, embracing the occasion alongside tens of thousands of roaring fans from across the Kingdom.
The tempo was modest, with Iraq pushing for an honorary win and Jordan responding with late chances in an effort to equalise. Yet the final whistle signaled not disappointment, but joy — a moment years in the making.
Earlier in the week, Jordan had defeated Oman 3-0 and watched South Korea beat Iraq 2-0, a result that confirmed Jordan’s place at the World Cup for the first time in history. It was the culmination of 11 qualification attempts dating back to 1986, and a moment generations of fans had long awaited.
Crowds from all over Jordan flooded Amman to witness the final group game and take part in the celebrations. In the streets, fireworks lit up the sky. In the stands, chants of The Nashama echoed louder than ever.
The Nashama, meaning “the brave ones,” is a name that has become synonymous with Jordanian pride. First coined by Al Rai newspaper after a 1981 match against Oman, it now stands as a unifying identity for all Jordanian athletes, with the women's national team known as Nashmiyat.
His Majesty King Abdullah congratulated the team earlier this week in a post on X, writing:
“This historic qualification is well-deserved by our team, which includes stars and staff we are proud of and cherish. Special thanks to our loyal fans who have been a pillar of support. The Nashama have always been, and will continue to be, true to their promise.”
Coach Jamal Sellami stated to the press after the match:
“This achievement comes after years of hard work from players and the Jordanian Football Association. This historic qualification is for all the people who believed in us.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will feature 48 teams for the first time, including eight from Asia plus one playoff slot, up from four plus one playoff slot in previous editions. Jordan are the first Arab country to officially qualify for the tournament so far.
For a team whose nearest opportunity with qualification came in 2014 — falling just short in a playoff against Uruguay — this moment is monumental. And as Jordan joins the ranks of the world’s football elite, one thing is certain: The Nashama have made history.