Jordan are ready to write a brand new chapter in their footballing history when they line up at the FIFA World Cup for the very first time next summer. After nine failed attempts to reach the global showpiece, the Nashama finally got the job done under Moroccan head coach Jamal Sellami.
Their qualification was no fluke. It was the product of a slow-burn project that started with a stunning run to the AFC Asian Cup 2023 final, where Jordan eventually fell short against hosts Qatar.
Sellami, who himself played at France 1998 with Morocco, was not at the helm back then, but he has built impressively on the foundations laid by his compatriot Hussein Ammouta.
Now, with the World Cup on the horizon, Jordan find themselves staring at one of the tournament’s toughest groups. Drawn in Group J alongside reigning world champions Argentina, Austria and Algeria, the road will be anything but easy. Yet Sellami remains convinced his side can make their mark.
Speaking exclusively to FIFA, the Jordan boss opened up on the emotions of qualifying, his plans heading into the tournament, and the prospect of going head-to-head with Lionel Messi.
“I felt relief and happiness”
Asked how it felt when Jordan booked their place at the World Cup, Sellami admitted the moment was bittersweet rather than euphoric.
“When we qualified, we were watching the Iraq vs Korea match. During the gathering that was taking place, I took a step back. I felt relief and a lot of happiness because this is my job: to push others to feel pride, to feel happy, and to make their dreams come true,” he said.
“As a coach, naturally, we have a hand in this historic achievement and this dream Jordanian football realised. But my feelings were relief and happiness, due to the fact that I got the national team and the Jordanian people to feel pride.”
Sellami revealed that he was convinced from the moment he walked into the job that qualification was possible. “From day one, I spoke to the players, and told them that I hadn’t come to waste my time or their own. One of our greatest strengths was the spirit and morale within the group.”
A careful build-up
With the tournament fast approaching, Sellami’s focus has shifted to fine-tuning a squad that must be ready for three vastly different opponents.
“We’re in a preparatory stage now. It’s very important to us when it comes to getting the group fit and ready to represent Jordanian football at the World Cup. Some of the things we’re worried about are the players’ recurring injuries.”
“We faced national teams that follow different philosophies so that we could gain some experience, because we know that our opponents at the World Cup, Austria, Algeria, and Argentina, have distinct styles.”
Dreaming of a Messi showdown
Perhaps the most eye-catching fixture on Jordan’s calendar is their group-stage clash with Argentina, a match that could carry enormous stakes depending on results in the opening two games. And for Sellami, the prospect of sharing a pitch with Messi is one to relish.
“For us, the match against Argentina will be the third match. Naturally, we hope that Messi will be present because the news going around now doesn’t confirm Messi’s presence or absence. I hope that he will be present because he is still a football icon, so the match will be very exciting. It’s a game that we hope will be the one that seals our place in the next round.”
“Facing Messi is a unique experience. This represents a great challenge for our players. The match against Messi will require special preparation.”
More than just taking part
For Sellami, simply being at the World Cup is already a victory, but he is determined that Jordan use the stage to show the world what they are about.
“Participating in the World Cup is a major accomplishment in itself. Being at the World Cup is an opportunity for us to show that we qualified from Asia, and that we deserve to showcase Jordanian football.”
“Of course, I want the national team’s performances to reflect the spirit of the Nashama, courage, unity, boldness and presence. We are capable of making a positive impression. Through this achievement we also wanted to show future generations the way forward.”
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