Jordanians bask in glory of WC qualification

Huge celebrations erupted in Jordan after the national team qualified for the 2026 World Cup, earning a spot in the tournament for the first time following a decisive 3-0 victory against Oman.

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Fans drove their cars through Jordan's capital Amman late Thursday, honking their horns and chanting victory while others waved the national flag in triumph.

"We are all with you!" and "It's getting closer, heroes" read messages written into the night sky in a spectacular drone light show.

Jordan sealed their place on the penultimate day of Asian qualifying for the 2026 tournament, which will be played in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Ali Olwin netted a hat-trick as the 2023 Asian Cup runners-up etched their name in the history books.

They secured their spot in the World Cup when South Korea defeated Iraq, also on Thursday, 2-0.

The royal court published pictures of King Abdullah II wearing a national team jersey as he watched the game from the embassy in London, where he was on a visit.

"This historic qualification is well-deserved by our team, which includes stars and cadres of whom we are proud," he wrote on X.