Jordan FA sacks Moroccan coach Jamal Sellami after early World Cup exit

Jordan Football Association has dismissed Moroccan coach Jamal Sellami following their group-stage elimination at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The decision comes shortly after Jordan’s debut appearance at the World Cup finals, a historic milestone for the national team, which competed for the first time on football’s biggest stage across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Despite the significance of their qualification, Jordan’s campaign ended in disappointment after three consecutive defeats in the group stage, resulting in an early exit from the tournament.

Jordan began their World Cup journey with a 3–1 defeat against Austria, a match in which they struggled defensively against a well-organized European side.

Their second outing ended in a narrow 2–1 loss to Algeria, where Jordan showed improvement but were unable to secure a positive result despite a more competitive performance.

The final group match saw them fall to Argentina, sealing their elimination after three straight defeats.

However, FA president Prince Ali bin Hussein has announced the departure of the Moroccan tactician following their disappointing debut World Cup.

While the statement acknowledged the historic achievement of reaching the World Cup for the first time, it also emphasized the need for a new direction following the group-stage exit.

Sellami, who took charge of Jordan with hopes of building a competitive side capable of progressing beyond the group stage, ultimately saw his tenure end after a challenging campaign against experienced international opposition.

For Jamal Sellami, the dismissal marks a difficult conclusion to a landmark achievement in Jordanian football history. While qualification for the World Cup remains a significant milestone, the inability to secure points in the group stage has led to immediate restructuring within the national team setup.

His tenure will likely be remembered for guiding Jordan to their first-ever World Cup appearance, even if the tournament itself exposed the gap between debutants and established football powers.

The Jordan Football Association is now expected to begin the search for a new head coach as they look to build on the experience gained from their World Cup debut and prepare for upcoming international competitions.

Despite the disappointment, Jordan’s participation at the FIFA World Cup 2026 is widely seen as a foundational step in the nation’s football development, offering valuable lessons for the future.