Players of Jordan pose for a team photograph before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Austria and Jordan.
Austria beat Jordan 3-1 in World Cup group game
Jordan's first match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in a 3-1 defeat to Austria, following a spirited performance in which the Nashama fought until the final minutes in the opening Group J fixture, which also features Argentina and Algeria.
Despite the result, Jordan delivered a respectable display in its first-ever appearance at the tournament, leaving a positive impression that reflected the development of Jordanian football and its ability to compete on the world's biggest stage.
The second half was highly competitive after the score stood at 1-1. The decisive moment came in the 77th minute when Jordan defender Yazan Alarab inadvertently scored an own goal, giving Austria a 2-1 lead.
Moments later, Austrian midfielder Marcel Sabitzer received a yellow card for a strong challenge. Austria head coach Ralf Rangnick then moved to protect his side's advantage in the 83rd minute, replacing forward Romano Schmid with Patrick Wimmer.
Jordan Pushes for an Equalizer
Jordan head coach Jamal Sellami made several attacking and injury-enforced substitutions in an attempt to rescue a result:
- 81st minute: Saeed Al-Rosan replaced Abdallah Nasib due to injury, while Mahmoud Al-Mardi came on for captain Ehsan Haddad.
- 88th minute: Mohammad Al-Daoud replaced winger Mousa Al-Taamari.
- 89th minute: Ali Azaizeh replaced Oudah Al-Fakhouri.
Stoppage-Time Drama
The referee added 10 minutes of second-half stoppage time. In the 91st minute (90+1), Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila produced an excellent save to deny Austria a third goal and keep Jordan's hopes alive.
The match was ultimately decided through VAR intervention. In the 100th minute (90+10), the referee reviewed an incident inside the Jordanian penalty area and awarded Austria a penalty.
Two minutes later, veteran striker Marko Arnautović converted the spot kick with a low right-footed effort into the left corner, sealing Austria's 3-1 victory.
Ali Olwan wins Man of the Match award vs Austria
Jordan’s forward and star player Ali Olwan won the best player of the match against Austria, after scoring a goal in Jordan’s first ever match in the World Cup.
Olwan scored in the 50th minute to equalize, but two late goals made it 3-1 for Austria and gave them the three points.
In statements after the match, Olwan expressed strong confidence in Al-Nashama's ability to bounce back and advance to the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Jordanian star said the final scoreline did not reflect the physical and tactical effort displayed by the team throughout the match, particularly given their fighting spirit until the closing minutes.
"Praise be to God in all circumstances. We feel this is a defeat we did not deserve based on the spirit and determination we showed. This is our first-ever experience in the history of the World Cup finals. We extend our sincere thanks to all the fans who supported us and to the coaching staff for their tremendous efforts. We promise that what comes next will be better."
Olwan rejected any sense of disappointment following the loss of points in the opening round, urging supporters to take pride in Jordan's historic achievement of reaching the World Cup and insisting that the team's qualification hopes remain alive.
On Jordan's World Cup milestone, he said: "I say to our fans: hold your heads high because of our first achievement, which is reaching and participating in the World Cup finals. It is a historic moment for our country."
"Qualifying for the next round is not difficult. We have complete faith in our abilities. God willing, we will make up for this result in the upcoming matches and we will qualify,” he added.
Austria beat Jordan 3-1 in World Cup group game
Austria recorded a 3-1 win against World Cup first-timers Jordan on Tuesday, rounding off their opening match of the tournament with a penalty from veteran forward Marko Arnautovic.
Jordan never stopped chasing the game and had the consolation of scoring the first World Cup goal in their history through Ali Olwan.
Ali Olwan honors injured teammate after scoring Jordan’s first World Cup goal
Ali Olwan marked a historic moment for Jordan in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after scoring the country’s first-ever goal in the tournament and celebrating by holding up the number 11 shirt of his injured teammate Yazan Alnemat.
The gesture came as a tribute to his colleague, turning the landmark goal into an emotional team moment on the world stage.
Full-time: Austria grabs three points from Jordan after two late goals
It’s full-time in Santa Clara, and Austria walks away with three points in their first match in Group J in the World Cup.
Austria took the lead in the first half, before Jordan’s Ali Olwan scored the Nashama’s first-ever goal in World Cup history five minutes into the second half.
An own goal by Jordan’s defender Yazan Alarab in the 77th minute gave Austria back the lead, after which Marko Arnautović converted from the spot in injury time to make it 3-1.
Goal for Austria
Austria’s Marko Arnautović converts from the spot to make it 3-1 against Jordan.
Fans continue backing Al Nashama from Roman Theatre
Fans in Jordan continued their strong support for Al Nashama, gathering at the Roman Theatre in Amman to cheer the national team during their World Cup.
Goal for Austria
Austria scores in the 77th minute to get back in the lead vs Jordan.
Ali Olwan equalizes for Jordan
Ali Olwan with a beautiful curler in the 50th minute to give Jordan its first goal in World Cup history.
Second half underway in Austria vs Jordan
The second half is underway in Santa Clara for Jordan vs Austria.
Romano Schmid gave Austria its first goal in the 21st minute in the first with a beautiful strike from outside the box.
Halftime: Austria 1-0 Jordan
Austria heads into the break with a 1–0 advantage against Jordan.
Romano Schmid gave Austria its first goal in the 21st minute with a beautiful strike from outside the box.
VIDEO - Footage of Jordanian fans flocking to San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
Pre-game footage of a massive number of Jordanian fans making their way to the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara for Jordan’s World Cup debut against Austria.
Goal for Austria against Jordan
Austria strikes first against Jordan in their first World Cup Group J match in the 21st minute.
Crown Prince Al Hussein joins fans for Jordan’s historic World Cup match
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II attended Jordan’s historic match against Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Rajwa and Prince Hashem bin Abdullah II.
The Royal Family members were present in the stands at San Francisco Stadium in the United States to support and cheer on Jordan’s national football team, Al Nashama, during the landmark World Cup fixture.
The match marks a historic moment for Jordan as the national team competes on football’s biggest stage in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.
Kickoff in Santa Clara for Jordan vs Austria in the World Cup
The ball is rolling at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in California for Jordan’s match against Austria - the Nashama's first-ever World Cup match.
VIDEO - Austrian fan hails Jordanian fans and atmosphere ahead of match
Austrian supporter opens up about his 20-hour journey from Austria to back his national team in the match against Jordan in the World Cup.
Jordan name starting XI for first-ever World Cup match
The Jordan Football Association announced the national team's lineup for its match against Austria in Jordan's first-ever game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Jordan will wear white, while Austria will play in red and black.
Jordan enters the high-profile clash with goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila between the posts, aiming to keep the Austrian attack at bay.
The defensive line features captain Ehsan Haddad, alongside Abdallah Nasib, Yazan Al Arab, and rising talent Mohammad Abu Al Nadi, forming the backbone of Jordan's defense.
In midfield, Jordan will rely on a balanced unit capable of both winning possession and building attacks, with Mohannad Abu Taha, playmaker Nizar Al Rashdan, dynamic midfielder Noor Al Rawabdeh, and Odeh Al Fakhouri.
Leading the attack are two of Jordan's biggest offensive threats, Ali Olwan and Mousa Al Tamari, with fans hoping the duo can make the difference and find the net.
On the bench, Jordan has several options available, including goalkeepers Abdallah Al Fakhouri and Noor Bani Atiyah, as well as Saad Al Rosan, Saleem Obeid, Hossam Abu Al Dahab, Mohammad Abu Ghosh, Mohammad Abu Hashish, Anas Badawi, Rajai Ayed, Amer Jamous, Mohammad Al Dawood, Ibrahim Saadeh, Mahmoud Al Mardi, Ali Azaizeh, and Mohammad Abu Zrayq.
VIDEO - Jordan fans bring their energy to California ahead of first World Cup match
A massive wave of passionate Jordanian football fans gathered outside San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in San Francisco, creating an electric atmosphere ahead of Jordan's highly anticipated World Cup match against Austria.
Dressed in national colors and traditional “Shemagh”, hundreds of supporters were seen waving Jordanian flags, chanting, and beating drums.
Jordan’s locker room at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
Jordan’s locker room ready at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in California ahead of their debut match against Austria at the 2026 World Cup.
..png)
.png)
.png)
