Jamal Sellami makes history as Jordan qualifies for first-ever World Cup

Moroccan coach Jamal Sellami has successfully qualified Jordan to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Thursday’s 3-0 victory over Oman in their penultimate qualifying match from the Asian region. Jordan confirmed qualification after third-placed Iraq lost 2-0 to South Korea.

Jordan went to the Omanian capital of Muscat hoping to earn maximum points. Ali Olwan gave them the lead from the spot on the stroke of half-time. The Malaysia-based forward added two goals in the second half to complete his hat-trick and help Jordan achieve historic qualification for the World Cup.

Jordanian football has a long-standing historical relationship with North African coaches. Egyptian former striker Hossam Hassan came very close to qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup through the inter-confederation playoffs but lost 5-0 on aggregate to Uruguay. In 2024, Moroccan coach Hussein Ammouta led the national team to the final of the AFC Asian Cup.

Sellami took over the helm in 2024 from his countryman and did a tremendous job securing qualification for the World Cup for the first time ever. Sellami previously coached FUS Rabat, Morocco’s A side, and Raja Casablanca. The 54-year-old coach led his country to victory in the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) on home soil.

Jordan are second in Group B with 16 points, three points behind group leaders South Korea.