Jordan Faces UAE in Arab Cup Opener with High Hopes

Jordan’s national football team prepares to take on the UAE in their opening match of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 today at Al Bayt Stadium. Head coach Jamal Sellami expressed confidence in his players’ readiness to start the tournament on a strong note following their historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Entering the match with a sense of ambition, Jordan aims to capitalize on their recent success, while the UAE seeks to recover from their disappointing exit in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Sellami noted the positive mindset of his squad upon arriving in Doha, emphasizing the high morale stemming from their World Cup achievement.

“We arrived in Doha with great ambition. We are prepared and the morale is high after qualifying for the World Cup,” Sellami stated during the pre-match press conference.

Focus on the Match Against UAE

Sellami underscored the importance of a methodical approach, stating, “We deal with one match at a time. Our focus now is on the first match against the UAE, who showed strong form in the World Cup playoff.” Despite the absence of six key players for various reasons, the coach expressed unwavering confidence in the remaining squad members.

“Even with six key players missing, I have full confidence in the rest of the squad to perform at a high level,” he added, suggesting that the team’s depth will be crucial in their campaign.

On the other side, UAE coach Cosmin Olaroiu anticipates a challenging encounter against a Jordan team he regards as one of Asia’s rising powers. He noted the progression of Jordan’s footballing capabilities, citing their recent achievements.

UAE’s Quest for Redemption

“Facing Jordan will not be easy. They are a developed team which has been producing strong performances and notable results,” Olaroiu commented. He highlighted Jordan’s recent success, including their reaching the Asian Cup final and qualifying for the World Cup, indicating a respect for their opponents.

Reflecting on the UAE’s previous matches against Iraq in the World Cup playoff, Olaroiu noted that their exit should not be viewed as a failure. “We played very well against Iraq but luck was not on our side,” he explained, reaffirming his belief in his team’s potential.

“My confidence in my players remains intact,” he stated, illustrating his commitment to rallying the squad for a strong performance in the Arab Cup.

Looking ahead to the tournament, Olaroiu emphasized the significance of a strong start. “The opening match is important for the rest of our journey,” he said, underscoring the potential impact of today’s fixture on the team’s overall performance in Group C.

As both teams gear up for this pivotal match, fans can expect an exciting contest that could set the tone for their respective campaigns in the tournament. High stakes and ambitions are at play as Jordan and the UAE face off in Doha.