Head coach Jamal Sellami announced Jordan's 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, with Tammer Bany notably omitted from the selection. The news confirms that Tammer Bany has been left out of Jordan’s World Cup squad, a decision that has drawn attention given his recent commitment to the national team. Reports indicated the tournament is scheduled to take place this summer across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, marking a significant global sporting event. Jordan’s national team has qualified for the World Cup for the first time in its history, making this selection particularly momentous for the nation.
The squad will compete in Group J, where they are set to face champions Argentina, a formidable opponent in their debut World Cup appearance. This grouping ensures a challenging yet historic campaign for the Jordanian side. Official reports confirmed the final roster following recent preparations, which included intensive training camps and international friendly matches designed to fine-tune the team's strategy and cohesion ahead of the prestigious tournament. The announcement by Head coach Jamal Sellami finalized the composition of the team that will represent Jordan on the world stage.
Player Background and Eligibility
Tammer Bany, 22, committed to playing for Jordan at the beginning of the current season, according to reports from ExpressAndStar.com. His decision to represent Jordan marked a significant step in his burgeoning international career. He made his debut for the Jordanian national team against Mali last November, showcasing his potential on the international stage. Bany holds eligibility for both Jordan and Palestine, having been born in Denmark, which provided him with multiple options for international representation. Despite his commitment to Jordan and his early debut, his international career has seen an early interruption due to a medical issue. He underwent thigh surgery around the new year, a setback that may have impacted his readiness for the World Cup. The details surrounding his eligibility and commitment to Jordan have been primarily reported by ExpressAndStar.com, which also provided information on his recent surgery, noting the challenges he has faced in the lead-up to the tournament.
Bany's background as a Danish-born player with eligibility for two Middle Eastern nations adds an interesting dimension to his profile. His decision to commit to Jordan was a clear signal of his intent to contribute to their national football ambitions. The thigh surgery, performed just months before the World Cup squad announcement, undoubtedly posed a significant hurdle in his recovery and match fitness, potentially influencing the coaching staff's decision regarding his inclusion. His debut against Mali last November was an opportunity for him to demonstrate his capabilities, and his performance in that match would have been closely scrutinized by the coaching staff as they built their World Cup roster. The full reporting by ExpressAndStar.com has been key in understanding the various factors at play in Bany's journey with the Jordanian national team.
Club Career and Form
Tammer Bany has made eight appearances for his club, West Brom, since his £3.3 million transfer from Randers at the close of the 2025 winter window. This transfer represented a significant investment by West Brom in the young player. All of these appearances for West Brom have been as a substitute, indicating his role primarily as an impact player off the bench rather than a regular starter. Despite his limited starting opportunities at the club level, he accumulated 70 minutes of play across Jordan's international friendlies, demonstrating his involvement in the national team's preparations. For Albion, Bany amassed time in four substitute outings, further showing his role as a rotational player. His most significant recent club performance was playing 45 minutes off the bench in a 2-1 defeat at bottom-ranked Sheffield Wednesday on the final day of the season, a match where he had an extended period to influence the game.
His transfer from Randers for £3.3 million positioned him as a player with considerable potential, and his integration into the West Brom squad has been a gradual process, primarily through substitute appearances. The 70 minutes he logged across Jordan's friendlies provided him with valuable international experience and an opportunity to build chemistry with his potential national teammates. However, the lack of consistent starting minutes for his club, coupled with his recent surgery, may have raised questions about his match readiness for the intense demands of a World Cup tournament. The final day appearance against Sheffield Wednesday, though a defeat, allowed him a longer spell on the pitch than usual, offering a glimpse of his capabilities when given more time. This recent club form, alongside his recovery from surgery, would have been key considerations for head coach Jamal Sellami in making the difficult decision to omit him from the squad.
Had Bany been included in the World Cup squad, he would have been West Brom's sole representative at the tournament, a point of pride for his club. His inclusion would have positioned him as Jordan's only England-based player selected for the World Cup, noting his unique status within the squad. His omission means that West Brom will not have a player at the World Cup, and Jordan will not feature an England-based player in their historic debut. This emphasizes the impact of the decision not only on Bany's personal career but also on the representation of both his club and the English league within the Jordanian national team.
Squad Details and Key Players
Jordan's 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup features captain Musa Al-Taamari of Rennes as the sole member active in Europe’s top five leagues. His presence is a testament to his high level of play and experience in one of the world's most competitive football environments. The full squad, as reported by Reuters, represents a blend of experience and emerging talent, all united in their goal to make a strong impression in Jordan's first-ever World Cup appearance.
The goalkeeping contingent includes Yazid Abulaila, Abdallah Al Fakhouri, and Nour Bani Attiah, providing depth and options between the posts for head coach Jamal Sellami. These three custodians will be key in anchoring Jordan's defense throughout the tournament.
The defensive line is strong, comprising Ihsan Haddad, Mohammad Abualnadi, Husam Abu Dahab, Mohammad Abu Hashish, Yazan Al Arab, Abdallah Nasib, Saleem Obaid, Saed Al-Rosan, Anas Badawi, and Mohannad Abu Taha. This diverse group of defenders will be tasked with containing some of the world's most potent attacking forces, including those from Group J opponents like Argentina. Their collective experience and defensive prowess will be vital for Jordan's aspirations.
Midfielders selected for the tournament are Mohammad Al Dawoud, Nizar Al Rashdan, Noor Al Rawabdeh, Rajaei Ayed, Amer Jamous, and Ibrahim Sadeh. This midfield unit is expected to control the tempo of matches, distribute possession, and provide both defensive cover and attacking impetus. Their ability to link play between defense and attack will be key to Jordan's performance.
Forwards named in the squad include Mahmoud Al-Mardi, Musa Al Taamari, Ali Olwan, Ibrahim Sabra, Odeh Al-Fakhouri, Mohammad Abu Zraiq, and Ali Azaizeh. This attacking line-up, spearheaded by captain Musa Al-Taamari, will be responsible for creating goal-scoring opportunities and converting them. Their speed, skill, and finishing ability will be critical in challenging opposing defenses. These selections finalize the roster for Jordan's historic World Cup appearance, a squad that carries the hopes of a nation.
Upcoming Matches and Preparations
Jordan's national team will conclude its preparations with a final friendly match against Colombia on June 7, which is scheduled to take place in San Diego. This friendly will serve as the last opportunity for the team to fine-tune their strategies and build cohesion before the World Cup officially begins. It will also provide the coaching staff with a final assessment of player fitness and tactical readiness against a strong international opponent.
Following this key friendly, the team will begin its World Cup campaign, with their first group stage fixture set for June 16, 2026, against Austria in Santa Clara. This match will mark Jordan's highly anticipated debut on the global stage, a moment of immense national pride and excitement. The team will then face defending champions Argentina on June 27, 2026, in Dallas, a fixture that promises to be one of the notes of their group stage. This encounter against the reigning champions will be a significant test of Jordan's capabilities and a memorable occasion for both players and fans. These matches mark Jordan's historic debut in the FIFA World Cup, ushering in a new chapter for football in the country. The careful planning of these preparatory and group stage fixtures shows the significance of this tournament for Jordan.
