Jordan is celebrating the qualification of its soccer crew for a FIFA World Cup for the primary time following a decisive 3-0 victory in opposition to Oman.
Big celebrations erupted as followers drove their vehicles by way of Jordan’s capital Amman late on Thursday and into Friday, honking their horns and chanting victory whereas others waved the nationwide flag in triumph.
“We’re all with you!” and “It’s getting nearer, heroes” learn messages written into the evening sky in a spectacular drone gentle present.
Jordan sealed their place on the penultimate day of Asian qualifying for the 2026 match, which can be performed in the US, Mexico and Canada.
Ali Olwin netted a hat-trick because the 2023 Asian Cup runners-up to Qatar etched their title within the historical past books.
They secured their spot within the World Cup when South Korea defeated Iraq, additionally on Thursday, 2-0.
The royal courtroom printed photos of King Abdullah II carrying a nationwide crew jersey as he watched the sport from the embassy in London, the place he was on a go to.
I wholeheartedly congratulate the little children of our pricey folks on our nationwide soccer crew’s qualification for the World Cup finals,” he wrote on social media platform X.
“This historic qualification is well-deserved by our crew, which incorporates stars and cadres of whom we’re proud.
“Particular thanks go to our loyal followers who’ve been our assist and encouragement.”
His Majesty King Abdullah watches the nationwide soccer crew’s World Cup qualifier match in opposition to Oman, on the Jordanian embassy in London, throughout a working go to to Europe
( Photographs courtesy of Royal Courtroom ) pic.twitter.com/CI4JMurjQu— The Jordan Occasions (@jordantimes) June 5, 2025
Jordan World Cup qualification ‘about time’
Sohad Idrissi, a 48-year-old housewife who watched the sport along with her siblings, beamed with delight as she instructed AFP that her facet had performed “a stupendous sport and deserved to qualify for the World Cup”.
“Right this moment the enjoyment is two-fold: there may be the enjoyment of Eid al-Adha, and the enjoyment of Nashama qualifying,” she stated, utilizing a nickname for the Jordanian crew.
Fadi Qalanzi, a 21-year-old college pupil, known as the win “a dream that’s lastly coming true”.
“Our crew placed on a stupendous efficiency, and so they actually deserved to qualify,” he added.
Osama al-Shreeda, a 60-year-old retired civil servant, additionally known as it a dream come true.
“I’ve been following Jordanian soccer since 1978, and a relative of mine used to play with the nationwide crew,” he stated.
“It’s a fantastic alternative for our crew and its gamers to be recognised globally,” he added, calling it an achievement not only for Jordan however for the broader Arab area.
“It was about time, this can be a pleasure we’d been ready for, for a very long time,” stated 55-year-old trainer Nashat Badr.
Uzbekistan additionally attain first FIFA World Cup
For Uzbekistan, a 0-0 draw in opposition to the United Arab Emirates was sufficient to take the second computerized qualification spot in Group A behind Iran.
With Asia now having eight assured qualifiers – after simply 4 for the 2022 version in Qatar – Uzbekistan was a probable contender to step up.
Whereas most of its crew performs within the home league, it features a few Europe-based stars like Roma ahead Eldor Shomurodov and Manchester Metropolis defender Abdukodir Khusanov.
Jordan’s highest-profile participant is winger Mousa Tamari at French membership Rennes.
Palestine and Indonesia set sights on playoffs
Palestine’s 2-0 win in Kuwait saved alive their hopes of reaching their first World Cup finals.
The victory, because of objectives from Tamer Seyam and Wessam Abou Ali, means Palestine in fifth spot in Group B are one level outdoors the playoff qualification positions with one sport to play.
A win of their ultimate match in Amman, Jordan, in opposition to Oman, who maintain fourth spot and are one level forward of Palestine, on Tuesday will see them end above their opponents.
Third and fourth positions within the three teams, within the third spherical of AFC qualifiers for the World Cup, progress to a fourth qualifying stage of playoffs.
The highest two groups from every of the three six-team teams qualify routinely for subsequent summer season’s match, whereas the groups in fifth and sixth place are eradicated.
Indonesia, meantime, stay on the right track for a playoff end, and solely a second look at a World Cup finals, following their 1-0 win in opposition to China to carry fourth spot in Group C.