Its first appearance at the World Cup is boosting the country’s global profile and introducing Jordan’s culture, history and hospitality to new international travellers.
For the first time in its history, Jordan will compete in the FIFA World Cup™, a milestone for the country after more than four decades of aspirations and 11 qualifying campaigns. Known among its fans as Al-Nashama (“The Brave”), Jordan heads into the 2026 tournament as one of four teams making their World Cup debut.
Jordan secured their qualification on 5 June 2025, following a convincing 3-0 victory over Oman, and head into the tournament having finished as runners-up at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. Managed by head coach Jamal Sellami and captained by Ihsan Haddad, the squad features standout players such as Ligue 1 star Musa Al-Taamari, prolific striker Ali Olwan and defender Yazan Al-Arab.
Jordan’s matches in Group J will be as follows:
- 16 June: Austria v Jordan at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California
- 22 June: Jordan v Algeria at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California
- 27 June: Jordan vs. Argentina at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
“When Jordan takes to the pitch on the world’s biggest sporting stage, millions of viewers will discover not only a talented football team, but also an extraordinary destination, rich in history, culture and hospitality,” says the Jordan Tourism Board.
Although many Spanish travellers know Jordan for Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the country offers much more: from the spectacular desert landscapes of Wadi Rum and the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea to the vibrant food and café culture of Amman, world-class diving in Aqaba or the renowned Jordan Trail.
The tournament puts Jordan in the global spotlight at a particularly opportune moment. For the Spanish market, the destination offers direct flights operated by Royal Jordanian. Spanish travellers can obtain a visa on arrival, whilst the Jordan Pass includes the visa fee, entry to Petra and access to over 40 attractions. However, what travellers take away with them is not just a monument, but the hospitality: long meals, strong tea, majestic skies over the desert and a culture built around welcoming the traveller. The World Cup offers an exceptional opportunity to discover Jordan at one of its most open and joyful moments: a country in full celebration.
Celebrations to mark Jordan’s participation
As part of the celebrations marking this historic debut, the Jordan Tourism Board will organise a range of cultural events across the United States to coincide with the national team’s matches. In Arlington, Texas, Jordan House will bring together fans, families and local communities from 25 to 27 June with live broadcasts, Jordanian cuisine, music, traditional Dabke dancing, children’s activities and immersive experiences showcasing the country’s heritage and hospitality.
In addition, on 21 and 22 June, the San Jose Convention Center will host a Jordan House event linked to the Jordan vs. Algeria match, featuring cultural programming, cuisine, live entertainment and activities for fans. In Northern California, the Jordanian Fans Association of San Francisco, with the support of the Jordan Tourism Board, will also organise various community events centred around the two matches Jordan will play at Levi’s Stadium.
All these events capitalise on the growing direct connectivity between Jordan and North America: Royal Jordanian operates direct flights between Amman and New York-JFK, Chicago, Washington DC, Detroit and Montreal, with a new direct route from Dallas-Fort Worth set to launch in May 2026.
About the JORDAN TOURISM BOARD
The Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) was officially established in March 1998 as an independent body, resulting from a public-private partnership, with the aim of developing marketing strategies designed to build the brand, position and promote Jordan’s tourism offering as a leading destination in international markets. The strategies adopted seek to reflect the true essence of Jordan as a cultural, natural, religious, adventure, holiday and MICE destination.
As part of its marketing strategies, JTB plans and executes an integrated programme of international promotional activities. This programme includes active participation in trade fairs, workshops, presentations aimed at the tourism sector and end consumers, familiarisation trips, press trips, the production of brochures and multimedia materials, as well as media relations activities. To achieve its objectives, the Jordan Tourism Board operates through eleven offices across Europe and North America.
MISSION: To lead the branding, promotion and positioning of Jordan as a leading destination.
VISION: To be a pioneering tourism board, capable of achieving organisational excellence to maximise the impact of tourism on the national economy.
Source: HOPSCOTCH TOURISM SPAIN