Jordan and Uzbekistan Qualify for Their First FIFA World Cups!
Colaboradores
In a historic moment for both nations, Uzbekistan and Jordan have secured their places in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, marking their first-ever appearances in the prestigious tournament. South Korea also qualified, joining the growing list of teams heading to the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026 for the expanded 48-team competition.
Uzbekistan's Long-Awaited Qualification
Ranked 57th globally, Uzbekistan's journey to the World Cup has been a long and challenging one. After playing their first match as a sovereign nation in 1992 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, their acceptance into FIFA in 1994 set the stage for their World Cup ambitions. The team's resilience and dedication have finally paid off, as they secured their spot with a draw against the United Arab Emirates and other results going their way.
Uzbekistan's previous near miss in 2006, marred by a controversial playoff against Bahrain, only fueled their determination. Their consistent presence in the Asian Cup finals since 1996, with multiple knockout stage appearances, including a semi-final run in 2011, demonstrates their growing strength in Asian football.
Jordan's Historic Achievement
Jordan, currently ranked 62nd in the world, have been competing in World Cup qualifiers since 1986. This qualification marks a significant milestone for the team, particularly after narrowly missing out in 2014 after an intercontinental play-off against Uruguay.
Trump Travel Ban and World Cup Concerns
In related news, former U.S. President Donald Trump's travel ban, which restricted entry to the United States from several countries, had raised concerns about the participation of national teams in the 2026 World Cup. The ban affected citizens from Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma), Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Fortunately, an exemption was put in place for athletes, coaches, and support staff participating in major sporting events like the World Cup, ensuring the full participation of all qualified teams.