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Jordan coach proud of players despite early World Cup exit
Debutants Jordan bowed out of the tournament after losing 2-1 to Algeria in their second Group J game on Monday, having lost to Austria in their first game
- PUBLISHED: Tue 23 Jun 2026, 4:11 PM UPDATED: Tue 23 Jun 2026, 4:34 PM
Jordan coach Jamal Sellami said his players' inexperience may have cost them in a 2-1 defeat by Algeria at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on Monday, but he was proud of their World Cup campaign despite their early exit.
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Jordan bowed out of their first World Cup after consecutive defeats in Group J. They lost 3-1 to Austria in their opener.
"The Algerian team did some substitutions that might have made a difference. They had a very tall offensive player ... I think our lack of experience allowed them to score from two corner kicks when we were waiting to make our own substitutions with the cooling break," Sellami said.
"Generally speaking, we had a great match, and we should be proud of our performance. Very first experience in the World Cup, we were better than the first match."
"Now for us facing Argentina is an opportunity. It's an opportunity for us to perform well and leave a great mark worthy of Jordanian football."
Sellami, who is Moroccan, said Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein had visited the players' dressing room after the match and offered them congratulations.
"Whenever you lose, there is always a negative feeling you're not in the best state of mind as the players that they have shown, but his words were a tonic for their spirit," Sellami said.
The victory put Algeria level with Austria on three points in Group J, while ensuring defending champions Argentina will go through to the next round as group winners following their 2-0 win over the Austrians earlier on Monday.
Tearful Jordan keeper Yazeed Abu Laila said his team were unlucky.
"The goals we conceded weren't really down to tactics or anything like that. We had the game under control, but we missed our chances," he said. "As players, we have to look at the details and take responsibility.
"We blame ourselves and apologise to our fans."