Jordan Aims High Against UAE in Arab Cup Opener

Jordan’s national football team is poised for a strong performance as they prepare to face the UAE in their opening match of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 at Al Bayt Stadium today. Head coach Jamal Sellami expressed confidence in his players’ readiness following their historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Meanwhile, the UAE seeks to recover from their recent elimination in the World Cup qualifiers.

Jordan’s Ambition and Challenges

Arriving in Doha with optimism, Sellami highlighted the team’s high morale after their World Cup success. “We arrived in Doha with great ambition. We are prepared and the morale is high after qualifying for the World Cup,” he stated during the pre-match press conference. Despite missing six key players for various reasons, Sellami remains confident in his squad’s ability to perform effectively.

“Even with six key players missing, I have full confidence in the rest of the squad to perform at a high level,” he added. Jordan’s strategy emphasizes a step-by-step approach, focusing solely on the UAE match before considering future challenges.

UAE’s Outlook and Recent Performance

On the other side, UAE head coach Cosmin Olaroiu anticipates a challenging encounter against a team he regards as an emerging force in Asian football. “Facing Jordan will not be easy. They are a developed team which has been producing strong performances and notable results,” Olaroiu remarked.

He referenced Jordan’s impressive achievements, including their recent run to the Asian Cup final and their World Cup qualification, as indicators of their growth. “We respect them, but we are fully ready for this match,” Olaroiu asserted.

Reflecting on the UAE’s narrow exit from the World Cup playoffs following two tight matches against Iraq, Olaroiu emphasized that the team played well despite the outcome. “Exiting the World Cup playoff was not a failure. We played very well against Iraq but luck was not on our side,” he said, reaffirming his confidence in the squad’s capabilities.

As the UAE prepares for their Arab Cup campaign, Olaroiu noted the significance of a strong start. “The opening match is important for the rest of our journey,” he concluded, highlighting the critical nature of today’s fixture.

With both teams eager to make a statement in Group C, fans can expect an exciting clash as Jordan and the UAE kick off their Arab Cup aspirations. The match promises to set the tone for their respective campaigns in this prestigious tournament.