World Cup Debutants Jordan Line Up Super Eagles as Key Dress Rehearsal

By Kunle Solaja.

Jordan have earmarked their international friendly against Nigeria as a crucial dress rehearsal ahead of their historic appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

According to a report by Jordanian newspaper Ad Dustour, the Nashama have lined up four high-profile friendly matches designed to fine-tune both their tactical structure and physical conditioning before the tournament kicks off in June.

The Jordan Football Association confirmed that the national team will participate in a four-nation invitational tournament in Amman next March, featuring Iran, Nigeria and Costa Rica as part of their final preparations.

Under the tournament schedule, Jordan will open their campaign against Costa Rica on Friday, March 27 at the King Abdullah II Stadium, while Nigeria face Iran at the Amman International Stadium on the same day.

Jordan will then confront Nigeria on Tuesday, March 31, in what observers describe as a significant test match and a practical simulation of World Cup intensity. Iran and Costa Rica will clash in the parallel fixture.

Officials view the Nigeria encounter as particularly strategic, offering Jordan exposure to African opposition with physicality and technical flair similar to what they expect in the World Cup group phase.

The Jordanian side will conclude their preparations with two further international friendlies in Europe and North America. They face Switzerland on May 31 in St. Gallen before travelling to San Diego to meet Colombia on June 7. The team will then establish its official World Cup base in Portland, United States.

Jordan are drawn in Group 10 alongside reigning world champions Argentina, as well as Algeria and Austria — a group widely regarded by analysts as highly competitive.

Spokespersons speaking to the Jordan News Agency (Petra) expressed confidence in head coach Jamal Salami, noting that the technical crew intend to utilise the friendly fixtures to elevate readiness levels before the demanding group-stage matches.

National coach Ahmed Hayel emphasised the importance of facing diverse footballing styles, describing the four friendlies as ideal preparation against different “football schools.” He reiterated confidence in the team’s capacity to spring surprises at the World Cup.

Former coach and player Abdul Salam Al-Hazaima echoed similar sentiments, stressing that the federation has worked extensively to ensure optimal preparation for the country’s first-ever participation at the global showpiece.

Ex-international Qusai Abu Alia described March as a decisive phase in Jordan’s build-up, pointing to the squad’s high morale and blend of experienced stars as factors that could inspire a positive campaign.

Meanwhile, Algeria have also stepped up their World Cup build-up, with the Algerian Football Federation confirming friendly fixtures against Guatemala and Uruguay during the March international window in Italy. Algeria will face Guatemala on March 27 in Genoa before meeting Uruguay on March 31 in Turin.

With a structured preparatory programme and carefully selected opponents, Jordan appear determined to use their meeting with Nigeria and other high-calibre sides as a final competitive rehearsal before stepping onto football’s biggest stage.

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