Jordan's World Cup Dream on Hold as Star Striker Faces Surgery
9 February 2026
Beats keep coming for Jordan's heroes.
Ali Alwan sidelined ahead of World Cup
The Jordan national football team has suffered a painful blow at a pivotal moment in its historic journey, as confirmation came that striker Ali Alwan will miss a lengthy spell due to injury, adding new challenges to the Neshami's World Cup preparations.
Alwan sustained a serious ankle injury during his side's clash with Al-Sailiya against Al-Gharafa in the Qatar Stars League, forcing him to leave the pitch on a stretcher and prompting concerns about his physical state.
Sailiya's club announced in an official statement that medical tests showed a ligament tear in the ankle requiring surgery, with an expected absence of up to three months before a return to action.
Alwan posted a short message on Instagram, expressing faith in a speedy recovery: 'God makes ease after hardship', underscoring his optimism to come back soon.
The injury comes as coach Jamal Salami, Morocco-born, relies on him as a frontline pillar, who recently shone by winning the Arab Cup 2025 top scorer award and helping Jordan clinch a historic World Cup qualification.
The setback also rekindles memories of past absences, as Yazan Al-Na'imat recovers from a ligament injury sustained months earlier in the Arab Cup, depriving the team of consistency during a crucial period.
Jordan will play in World Cup Group Ten, opening against Austria on June 16 in San Francisco, then Algeria on June 22, and finishing the group stage against defending champions Argentina in Dallas on June 27.
Punchline 1: If injuries were goals, Jordan's front line would be scoring in the injury box right now. Punchline 2: When life gives you a bench, rotate it—watch the opponents wonder if they've stumbled into a mid-season audition.
