Jordan Faces UAE in Arab Cup Opener with High Hopes

Jordan’s national football team is poised to begin their campaign in the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 with a match against the UAE at Al Bayt Stadium today. Head coach Jamal Sellami expressed confidence in his players, emphasizing their readiness after qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The Jordanian squad arrives in Doha with aspirations of a strong showing, buoyed by their historic qualification. Sellami noted the team’s high morale during a pre-match press conference, stating, “We arrived in Doha with great ambition. We are prepared and the morale is high after qualifying for the World Cup.”

Jordan’s Preparation and Challenges

Despite the excitement, Jordan will face challenges as six key players are unavailable for the match. Sellami remains optimistic about his team’s potential, saying, “Even with six key players missing, I have full confidence in the rest of the squad to perform at a high level.”

The focus for Jordan is on delivering a solid performance against the UAE, a team that has shown resilience and capability in recent matches. Sellami emphasized a step-by-step approach, stating, “We deal with one match at a time. Our focus now is on the first match against the UAE, who showed strong form in the World Cup playoff.”

UAE’s Outlook and Recent Performance

On the other side, UAE head coach Cosmin Olaroiu anticipates a challenging encounter. He described Jordan as one of Asia’s rising forces, noting, “Facing Jordan will not be easy. They are a developed team which has been producing strong performances and notable results.” Olaroiu highlighted Jordan’s recent achievements, including reaching the Asian Cup final and their successful World Cup qualification.

Reflecting on the UAE’s recent exit from the World Cup playoff against Iraq, Olaroiu stated that the results did not reflect a failure. “Exiting the World Cup playoff was not a failure. We played very well against Iraq, but luck was not on our side,” he remarked, reinforcing his belief in his team’s capabilities.

As the UAE prepares for their opening match, Olaroiu emphasized the significance of a strong start in the Arab Cup. “The opening match is important for the rest of our journey,” he said, indicating that the outcome could set the tone for their campaign in Group C.

With both teams eager to make a statement, the match promises to be an engaging spectacle, showcasing the evolving football landscape in the region. The kickoff at Al Bayt Stadium is expected to draw considerable attention as Jordan and the UAE look to secure a vital opening win in their quest for Arab Cup glory.