The Jordanian sports scene was dealt a major blow when the national team, nicknamed "Al-Nashama," suffered a significant setback just months before their historic first-ever appearance at the 2026 World Cup finals, scheduled to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This bad news comes after the confirmation that star player Ali Alwan, a key pillar of the attacking line, has sustained an injury that will sideline him for up to three months, leaving the coaching staff in a difficult position.

Details of the injury and forced absence

The 25-year-old striker suffered an ankle injury while playing for his club, Al-Sailiya, against Al-Gharafa in the Qatari league on Sunday. He was stretchered off the field after being unable to walk. Al-Sailiya issued an official statement via their X platform, confirming: "Medical examinations have confirmed that player Ali Alwan has suffered a torn ankle ligament. He will undergo surgery to stabilize and support the injured ligaments. The recovery period may take three months before he can return to the field." For his part, Alwan commented on his Instagram account, expressing his faith in God, saying: "God will bring ease after hardship.".

The injury crisis among the Jordanian national team worsens

This injury further complicates matters for Moroccan coach Jamal Sellami, as Alwan joins a growing list of injured players that already includes star striker Yazan Naimat, who previously suffered a torn cruciate ligament during the quarter-final match against Iraq in the last Arab Cup. The absence of both Alwan and Naimat is a double blow to Jordan's attacking prowess, especially considering that Alwan, who recently transferred from Al-Karma of Iraq to Al-Sailiya, was the top scorer in the 2015 Arab Cup with six goals and played a pivotal role in securing their qualification for the World Cup.

Group 10 challenges and historic participation

This event is of paramount importance as it marks the Jordanian national team's first-ever appearance in the World Cup, an achievement long awaited by fans. However, the draw was unkind to the Jordanians, placing them in the challenging Group J alongside Argentina (the reigning world champions), Algeria, and Austria.

Jordan will begin its campaign against Austria on June 16 in San Francisco, followed by a match against Algeria in the same city on June 22, before concluding the group stage with a tough encounter against Argentina in Dallas on June 27. Faced with these significant challenges, the coaching and medical staff are hoping to expedite the players' recovery so they can participate in this global tournament and represent Jordanian football in the best possible way.

Asian football fans will be glued to their screens on Tuesday evening as Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia hosts Al-Gharafa of Qatar at the Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah in a crucial match for the seventh round of the AFC Champions League. This game is of paramount importance to Al-Ittihad, as a victory would secure their place in the Round of 16 of the prestigious continental tournament.

A rich history and digital dominance for the Union

Al-Ittihad enters the match bolstered by a rich history in Asian competitions, being one of the continent's most prominent former champions (winners in 2004 and 2005). The statistics support the "Tigers'" chances in this encounter, as Al-Ittihad boasts an impressive record in its head-to-head matches against Qatari clubs. The two sides have met 11 times previously in various Asian tournaments, with Al-Ittihad securing victory in 8 matches, drawing once, and suffering only two defeats. This overwhelming dominance is reflected in their goal tally, with Al-Ittihad's attack netting 37 goals against Qatari clubs, while conceding only 11.

Qualification calculations and points battle

In the West Zone standings, Al-Ittihad currently sits in sixth place with nine points from three wins and three draws, a position that would qualify them for the next round. However, the team is focused on securing their place and avoiding any complicated scenarios in the final matchday. Meanwhile, Al-Gharafa languishes in ninth place with six points from two wins and four losses, making their situation more precarious. The Qatari side needs a positive result to keep their hopes alive of qualifying for the next round.

Winter reinforcements and significant absences

Despite recent inconsistent results, Al-Ittihad will field its strongest lineup in this match. The game will see the anticipated debut of the club's new signings from the winter transfer window, most notably Moroccan international striker Youssef En-Nesyri and Cameroonian defender Stefan Keller, on whom Al-Ittihad fans are placing high hopes to make a difference. The squad also boasts a constellation of international stars, including Frenchman Moussa Diaby, Malian Mamadou Doumbia, Portuguese Roger Fernandes, Brazilian Fabinho, and Algerian Houssem Aouar, in addition to the outstanding goalkeeper Rajkovic. However, the team will be without Dutchman Steven Bergwijn and Saleh Al-Shehri due to injury.

Al-Gharafa... the last chance

On the other hand, Al Gharafa knows its chances are hanging by a thread, as it must fight for a positive result and hope for slip-ups from its direct rivals. The Qatari team is relying on the experience of its professional players, most notably South Korean defender Hyun-soo, Tunisian Ferjani Sassi, the talented Algerian Yacine Brahimi, and Spaniard Joselu, along with local talents like Ahmed Al Janahi and Khalifa Babacar, in an attempt to pull off an upset in Jeddah.

Al Shabab's first football team will be a formidable guest against Oman's Al Nahda in a crucial match tomorrow evening, Tuesday, at Al Seeb Sports Stadium in Muscat, the Omani capital. This highly anticipated match is part of the fifth and penultimate round of the group stage (Group B) of the Gulf Champions League, a tournament witnessing fierce competition for qualification to the semi-finals.

Al-Shabab enters the match in a precarious position, currently sitting in last place in their group with only three points. Their tally comes from three draws and one loss, and they are still searching for their first win in the tournament. In contrast, Oman's Al-Nahda enjoys a period of stability, occupying second place in the group with six points, level on points with leaders Al-Rayyan of Qatar but trailing on goal difference. They have secured one win and three draws, maintaining their unbeaten record.

This match is of paramount importance to the Saudi side, representing their last chance to keep their qualification hopes alive. The coaching staff and players understand that a victory is the only option to remain in contention before their final match against Yemen's Al-Tadhamon Hadramout in Riyadh. Any result other than a win could significantly complicate matters or even lead to their official elimination from the tournament, something the team is determined to avoid in order to make amends to their fans and compete for a regional title that would enhance the club's standing.

The Gulf Champions League is one of the prestigious tournaments that has returned to prominence with a highly competitive format, prompting participating clubs to give their all to win the title. For Al Shabab, winning an international title is a strategic objective for the current management, especially after the significant reinforcements the team has recently received.

Al-Shabab are placing great hopes on the new signings they made during the winter transfer window, having bolstered their squad with seven quality acquisitions to lift the team out of its slump and provide the necessary technical boost. All eyes are on the stars capable of making a difference, most notably Belgian star Yannick Carrasco, Brazilian Carlos Junior, and experienced goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe, who represents the team's safety net. The squad also includes Englishman Josh Brownhill, international defender Ali Al-Bulaihi, as well as Mohammed Al-Shuwairikh, Ali Al-Asmari, and Hammam Al-Hamami.

On the other hand, Oman's Al-Nahda will not be an easy opponent. The team is bolstered by home advantage and a supportive crowd, and will strive to secure the three points necessary to officially qualify, especially if the result of the Al-Rayyan vs. Al-Tadhamon match goes in their favor. The Omani team boasts a cohesive group of talented players, including international goalkeeper Faiz Al-Rushaidi, midfield maestro Harib Al-Saadi, along with Ahmed Al-Kaabi, Thani Al-Rushaidi, Hussein Al-Shahri, Ghanem Al-Habshi, and Mohammed Al-Rawahi – all players with the experience to handle such crucial matches.