AMMAN — Jordan concluded their historic maiden FIFA World Cup campaign with a 3-1 loss to Argentina in their final Group J match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday.

 

His Majesty King Abdullah and HRH Crown Prince Hussein attended the match.

 

Argentina made a confident start and took the lead in the 19th minute when Giovani Lo Celso curled a superb left-footed free kick into the top-left corner, leaving Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila with no chance.

 

The South American champions doubled their advantage in the 31st minute after a VAR review resulted in a penalty. Lautaro MartInez calmly converted from the spot, sending a right-footed effort into the bottom-left corner to make it 2-0.

 

Jordan showed greater attacking intent after the break and were rewarded in the second half when Mousa Tamari reduced the deficit.

 

The forward finished from the centre of the penalty area after meeting a pinpoint cross from Ehsan Haddad, scoring Jordan's first-ever goal against Argentina and becoming the first player to find the net against the defending world champions during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

 

Al Nashama continued to push forward in search of another goal, but Argentina's quality proved decisive.

 

Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi, who began the match on the bench, was introduced in the second half and put the result beyond doubt in the 80th minute with a trademark free kick that found the back of the net to seal a 3-1 victory for Argentina.

 

Following the match, His Majesty praised the national team in a post on X, saying: "To Al Nashama of our national team, you have represented Jordan with honour and laid the foundations for even greater achievements that we look forward to."

 

"The nation awaits your return with immense pride, for you hold a special place in the hearts of all Jordanians," the King said, while also commending the travelling supporters, adding that they had projected "the finest image of our homeland, exemplifying the true meaning of national belonging".

 

He stressed that Jordan "is stronger through its unity, more beautiful through its people, and greater through the love that binds us all."

 

His Royal Highness also praised the team in a post on Instagram, saying that although Jordan "may not have earned the points", Al Nashama had "earned the respect of the world through their character, sportsmanship, and determination".

 

The Crown Prince highlighted the unity shown throughout the tournament, noting that Jordan's traditional shemagh had been embraced with pride, the supporters had earned international recognition for their passion, and Jordanians around the world had united behind the national team.

 

"Al Nashama have given twelve million Jordanians eleven role models, reminding us that nations are built through unity, hard work, and ambition," he said, adding: "This may have been Jordan's first FIFA World Cup, but it will not be the last. The ambition of Jordanians knows no limits."

 

The Jordan delegation is scheduled to return to Amman on Tuesday June 30, according to Jordan Football Association statement.