The prestigious standing of the Jordanian national team, “Al-Nashama,” carries with it a grand dream of lifting the Arab Cup. In less than forty days, all eyes of Arab football fans will turn to the Qatari capital, Doha, preparing to host the new edition of the Arab Cup for national teams, following the successful hosting of the previous tournament. This championship, held under the auspices of FIFA, is not merely a sporting event but a crucial preparatory stage and a true test for many teams, with Jordan at the forefront.

Al-Nashama: From Asian Runner-Up to World Cup Gatekeepers

Jordan enters this edition carrying unprecedented prestige, having secured the runner-up position in the Asian Championship earlier this year, and more importantly, being the first Arab team already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This prominent standing places on Al-Nashama’s shoulders the significant dream of winning the Arab Cup, marking a natural culmination of the team’s recent progress and qualitative leaps. Under the guidance of the seasoned Moroccan coach Jamal Al-Salami, the team sees this tournament as one of the most important preparatory stages before heading to the World Cup. Although the Arab Cup does not fall within the official FIFA international dates, the high-level competition and pressure-packed matches provide invaluable experience for both the technical staff and the players.

A Fiery Group: The Challenge of Facing Egypt Again

The draw placed Jordan in the challenging Group C alongside two giant Arab teams: Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, in addition to the qualifier from the playoff match between Kuwait and Mauritania. This group promises fierce competition for the two spots to advance to the quarter-finals. The match against Egypt holds special significance, being a repeat of the 2021 Arab Cup quarter-final, which marked the rise of the current generation of Jordanian footballers. This time, Al-Nashama aim to assert their continental and international progress. Despite Egypt announcing the participation of its second team, the encounter remains a test of Jordan’s squad depth and ability to handle different football styles. Meanwhile, the match against the UAE presents a traditional Gulf-Asian duel, adding further excitement to the group.

Star Power and Missing Key Players: Depth of the Squad Tested

Jordan faces a dual challenge in this tournament. Although the team boasts a stellar roster featuring top Arab talents such as striker Ali Alwan, promising forward Yazan Al-Naimat, and solid defender Yazan Al-Arab, it must compete without several key professional players. Absences include Montpellier star Mousa Al-Taamari, along with other influential players like Ibrahim Sabra, Mohamed Abu Al-Nadi, and Nour Al-Rawabdeh due to club commitments in Europe and the Gulf. Coach Jamal Al-Salami will face a true test of squad depth, rotational strategy, and integrating young or less-experienced players. This tournament will also serve as a platform to experiment with new tactics and assess backup players’ readiness for any World Cup contingencies, providing an opportunity for emerging stars to make their mark.

Doha: Hosting, Memories, and Aspirations

The tournament takes place in Qatar from December 1 to 18, using the iconic 2022 World Cup stadiums, offering players a professional environment. The Jordanian sports community watches with high hopes, wondering if Al-Nashama can achieve new joy and unprecedented continental success. The challenges are significant, the group is tough, and key absences are felt, but the confidence gained from Asia’s achievement and the World Cup qualification makes Jordan a formidable contender with strong prospects for a deep run in this edition. A strong performance in Doha will also signal full readiness for the grand global stage in 2026.