Jamal Sellami departs Jordan after leading team to first-ever World Cup qualification

Jordan Football Association President Prince Ali bin Al Hussein has confirmed the end of Moroccan coach Jamal Sellami’s tenure as head coach of the Jordan national team following the conclusion of their first-ever FIFA World Cup campaign.

The announcement came after a meeting between the two on Sunday, shortly after Jordan completed their historic debut appearance at the 2026 World Cup.

In a statement posted on X, Prince Ali paid tribute to Sellami’s contribution, thanking him for his role in guiding Al Nashama to their maiden qualification for football’s biggest tournament.

Prince Ali leads tributes to Sellami

Prince Ali described Sellami’s spell in charge as a defining chapter in Jordanian football history, highlighting the coach’s role in transforming the national team into World Cup qualifiers for the first time.

“You will always remain a dear son of Jordan,” Prince Ali wrote, praising Sellami’s commitment, professionalism and leadership throughout his time with the national side.

He also expressed confidence that Sellami would continue to have a positive impact in football, wishing the Moroccan coach success in his next role.

Historic qualification for Jordan

Sellami took over the national team in 2024 following the departure of fellow Moroccan coach Hussein Ammouta and went on to lead Jordan into uncharted territory.

Under his leadership, Jordan secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup after a decisive 3-0 victory over Oman, ending a long wait marked by nine unsuccessful attempts to reach the tournament, according to FIFA records.

The achievement marked one of the most significant milestones in Jordanian football history, as Al Nashama finished second in their Asian qualifying group behind South Korea and ahead of Iraq, Oman, Palestine and Kuwait.

World Cup debut brings experience despite exit

Jordan’s first World Cup appearance ended at the group stage, but the team showed flashes of progress against established international opposition.

They opened their campaign with a 3-1 defeat to Austria, followed by a narrow 2-1 loss to Algeria, before concluding their group matches against Argentina, where they suffered a 3-1 defeat.

Despite failing to earn a point, Sellami maintained that his team gained valuable experience from competing at the highest level, stressing that Jordan managed to score in every group match.

He also pointed to the importance of exposure against elite opposition as part of the team’s long-term development.

Sellami now departs after making history with Jordan, having overseen their first-ever World Cup qualification and their inaugural appearance on football’s biggest stag