CORNERFLICK
Jordan head into a crucial second group match against Algeria at the 2026 World Cup knowing defeat would leave their campaign in serious trouble.
Both sides lost their opening games, turning the meeting into a defining fixture in the group. Jordan’s 3-1 defeat by Austria still gave the squad some encouragement, with the team showing plenty of fight despite the result.
Jamal Sellami’s staff believe Jordan’s approach may need adjusting because their style has become predictable to opponents. One option is to use spells of high pressing in Algeria’s half, with the players’ fitness seen as a potential advantage.
Jordan could also ask Nizar Al-Rashdan and Mohannad Abu Taha to push higher up the pitch more often, while Mousa Al-Taamari is likely to be given greater freedom to drift between the flanks and unsettle Algeria’s defensive shape.
The coaching staff are trying to balance caution with attacking intent. Anything other than a win would make the road ahead much more complicated.