“Jordanian players are defined by grit and determination”. With these words, Mousa Al-Taamari captured the spirit that carried his national team to a history-making first qualification for the FIFA World Cup 26™. Indirectly, his words also embody the meaning of the Jordanian national team’s nickname – ‘Al-Nashama’ – a term that in Arabic conveys generosity and noble spirit, while also reflecting courage, resilience, and an unyielding will to fight on the pitch.
Jordan took a decisive step towards the World Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Oman in Muscat, thanks to a brilliant hat-trick from Ali Alwan. A few hours later, Iraq’s 2-0 defeat to Korea Republic confirmed Jordan’s qualification.
Having watched the drama unfold, Jordanian supporters greeted this unprecedented achievement with pride, as spontaneous celebrations swept through cities nationwide. Flags waved and horns sounded, with public squares and cafes becoming fan zones to salute the nation’s heroes.
And when it comes to heroes, one name stands out: Mousa Al-Taamari. The right winger, who made the move this summer from Montpellier to Stade Rennais, was one of the key pillars of Jordan’s Asian qualifying campaign. He contributed directly to nine goals, scoring seven and providing two assists. Beyond the numbers, his pace, dribbling, and relentless pressing constantly unsettled opposing defenders.
As Al-Taamari and his team-mates look ahead to the ultimate challenge next year, they first face an important test at the FIFA Arab Cup 2025™, which returns to Qatar in early December. Jordan have been drawn alongside Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and the winner of Kuwait v Mauritania – a group that provides a valuable opportunity to test themselves against the diverse footballing styles of the region.
In an exclusive interview with FIFA, Al-Taamari spoke about his feelings after World Cup qualification, what this success means for Jordanian fans, and their Arab Cup aspirations.
Mousa Al-Taamari: It’s a dream come true for every player, coach and fan. Thanks to God, we were able to achieve it. We felt how happy and proud the people were of us, and that alone makes every sacrifice over the years worthwhile.
The secret lies first and foremost in the Jordanian players’ spirit, since our focus has always been to play as a team rather than relying on individual talent. The backroom staff also do their work to perfection, through proper planning, well-structured programmes, training camps, and some challenging matches. We were also fortunate to have the backing of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah, the Jordan Football Association led by Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, and of course, our incredible fans. Wherever we played, we felt as if we were on home soil.
What sets us apart is resilience and national pride. No team gets past us without a fight. We may not have the resources other teams have, but our spirit, determination, and perseverance make up for everything. Our passion for Jordan is unmatched – every game we play is to make our nation proud.
Of course, the road to World Cup qualification was full of challenges, but we worked together as a team to overcome them. There have been many unforgettable moments during the campaign, but nothing compares to what followed the Oman match. It was what everyone in Jordan was waiting for, news of our World Cup qualification. What made that moment even more special was having Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah and Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, President of the Jordan FA, with us to celebrate
Of course, just qualifying for the World Cup is a historic achievement, but we won’t stop there. Our goals and ambitions are now greater – we want to showcase both Jordan and our football on the global stage. God willing, we’ll rise to the occasion.
We’re excited about the draw in December, and, God willing, we’ll be ready no matter who we’re up against.
It will be a new experience, playing in massive stadiums and on a global stage, but it will give us even more motivation to prove ourselves. It’s a stage for us to represent Jordan in the best possible way and to prove to everyone that we can compete in any stadium, anywhere in the world.
The Arab Cup has grown into a really special tournament and it’s one of the leading competitions in the region. Being organised by FIFA and staged in Qatar gives it an added touch of excitement. After the success of the FIFA Arab Cup in 2021, the World Cup in Qatar, and the Asian Cup in 2023, I’m sure this will be another exceptional event.
There’s always strong competition among Arab teams, particularly when the sides are so evenly matched and with their own tactical and technical flair. With heavyweights like Egypt and the UAE, along with the likes of Kuwait or Mauritania, we can expect thrilling, closely contested matches. It all adds to the drama of the competition and makes every game an opportunity for teams to showcase their teamwork and individual strength.
