Jordan Defender Ruled Out of World Cup as Issam Smeeri Suffers Injury Blow

Jordan have suffered a major blow ahead of their first-ever FIFA World Cup campaign after defender Issam Smeeri was ruled out of the tournament due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. The injury was confirmed by the Jordan Football Association on Friday, ending the 26-year-old right-back’s chances of featuring at the finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

Smeeri picked up the injury during an individual training session with the national squad. Medical assessments later confirmed the severity, with the defender immediately withdrawn from the squad plans for the competition.

Injury List Grows for Jordan

The setback adds to an already lengthy list of absentees for Jordan. Several key players, including Yazan Al-Naimat and Adham Al-Quraishi, are also unavailable after suffering anterior cruciate ligament injuries during the Arab Cup last December.

The trio’s absence leaves Jordan with reduced defensive and attacking depth as they prepare for their historic debut on football’s biggest stage.

Qualification and Group Stage Challenge

Despite the injury concerns, Jordan will enter the tournament after a strong qualification campaign. They secured their place in June 2025 with a 3-0 away win over Oman, finishing second in Asia Group B behind South Korea.

Jordan have been drawn into Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and defending champions Argentina. One of their standout fixtures will be against Argentina at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. 

Outlook for Debut Tournament

Jordan's squad faces experience gaps due to injuries. It will rely on its emerging core of players as they prepare for their first FIFA World Cup appearance. The focus now shifts to squad adjustments following the confirmation of Jordan Defender ruled out of World Cup, Issam Smeeri.

The team is expected to finalize replacements in the coming days as preparations continue for their opening match.