Ali Olwan Set to Start for Jordan Against Algeria in World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Jordan’s forward Ali Olwan, who recently etched his name in history by scoring Jordan’s first-ever World Cup goal, is poised to feature in the starting XI for their upcoming World Cup 2026 Group J qualifier against Algeria. The match is scheduled to take place on Monday.

Olwan’s historic strike against Austria not only marked a significant moment for Jordanian football but also brought his international goal tally to 30. This places him six goals ahead of his Rennes teammate Moussa Al Taamari, who has scored 24 goals for the national team. Notably, Olwan and Al Taamari are the only players in the current Jordan squad to have reached double figures in international goals.

Defensive Dilemmas Ahead

Head coach Jamal Sellami faces a potential defensive reshuffle due to a suspected injury to Abdallah Nasib, who was forced off during Jordan’s opening defeat. Nasib’s absence could necessitate a change in the team’s three-man backline, potentially opening a starting spot for Saed Al Rousan to join Yazan Al Arab and Mo Abualnadi in defense.

Tactical Adjustments

If Sellami opts to maintain the current tactical shape, Ihsan Haddad and Mohannad Abu Taha are expected to operate as wing-backs, providing width to the team’s play. In midfield, Nizar Al Rashdan and Noor Al Rawabdeh are anticipated to form a central partnership, aiming to provide stability and protection in the middle of the park.

Attacking Trio

Upfront, Odeh Fakhoury is projected to complement the attacking threat posed by Ali Olwan and Moussa Al Tamari, forming a dynamic front three. Goalkeeper Yazeed Abu Laila is expected to retain his place between the posts.

Jordan’s Predicted Starting Lineup:
Goalkeeper: Yazeed Abu Laila
Defenders: Saed Al Rousan, Yazan Al Arab, Mo Abualnadi
Wing-backs: Ihsan Haddad, Mohannad Abu Taha
Midfielders: Nizar Al Rashdan, Noor Al Rawabdeh
Forwards: Odeh Fakhoury, Ali Olwan, Moussa Al Tamari

This predicted lineup suggests a 3-4-3 formation, emphasizing attacking intent while navigating potential defensive challenges. The performance of this lineup against Algeria will be crucial for Jordan’s World Cup 2026 qualification campaign.

Key facts
| Player | Position | Key Detail |
|—|—|—|
| Ali Olwan | Forward | Scored Jordan’s first World Cup goal, has 30 international goals |
| Moussa Al Taamari | Forward | Has 24 international goals, teammate of Olwan at Rennes |
| Abdallah Nasib | Defender | Facing assessment for a suspected injury |
| Jamal Sellami | Coach | Head coach of the Jordan national team |

The World Cup 2026 qualifiers are a critical stage for national teams across the globe, and Jordan’s performance in these matches will be closely watched by their supporters. The team’s ability to secure points against strong opposition like Algeria will significantly impact their chances of progressing in the tournament. The inclusion of key players like Olwan and Al Taamari, alongside potential new defensive configurations, highlights the strategic considerations for coach Sellami as he aims to guide Jordan through this challenging qualification process.

Source: Sports Mole Football RSS – https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/jordan/world-cup-2026/predicted-lineups/history-maker-olwan-to-start-predicted-jordan-xi-vs-algeria_599709.html

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