Crown Prince joins national football team warm-up ahead of decisive World Cup qualifier

Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and Prince Hashem bin Abdullah II Sunday joined the Jordanian football team in a warm-up ahead of a crucial fixture against Tajikistan in Amman on Thursday in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The princes took to the pitch at Amman Stadium where the players had training, which was a big morale booster for the national team, who aspire to win the decisive match in the second round of the World Cup qualifiers, where Jordan needs a win to secure a spot in the third round. A draw will take Jordan into qualifying calculations, and a loss is elimination. The Crown Prince's gesture drew applause from football enthusiasts and former players, who said it was a big incentive and boost for the national team to continue achievement and realize the Kingdom's dream of reaching world cup finals. "Here begins the story of qualifying to the World Cup and putting Jordan's name on the global sports map in coming years.. thank you, Sir Hussein, thank you, Sir. Hashem ," lawmaker Mohammad Maharmeh wrote in a tweet. "The presence of His Highness the Crown Prince and His Highness Prince Hashem in the national team's training yesterday is a great morale boost to the players ahead of the decisive match, which will determine the course of Jordanian football," former national team star and current coach of Al-Faisali Club, Ahmed Hayel, said in remarks to Petra. He noted Royal support for national sports, adding "I lived this experience profoundly, as His Highness the Crown Prince visited me in the hospital when I had a severe injury in the Kuwaiti National League, which had a positive impact on my morale." Source: Jordan News Agency