In a press conference held on Thursday at the Jordan Football Association headquarters, Moroccan coach Bado Zakki, the new manager of Jordan’s national team, announced that his primary objective in the upcoming phase is to "prepare a strong Jordanian team" for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. Zakki stated: "Our goal is to prepare a strong, organized team to compete for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 title. We will work with seriousness and determination to be at least in the top four."
He added that he is here to continue the positive results achieved by his predecessors Hussein Amouda and Jamal Salami, drawing on his experience coaching Moroccan clubs. Zakki also noted that Jordan has been drawn into Group 2 of the tournament, alongside Uzbekistan, Bahrain, and North Korea, and that he will monitor the local league, ensuring that any standout player, whether local or abroad, gets a chance.
The Jordan Football Association signed Zakki on 19 July, succeeding native Jamal Salami, who led the “Nashama” to qualify and participate for the first time in the 2026 World Cup, before being dismissed after three group-stage losses. Zakki emphasized that his goal is to build a team capable of competing at the highest level, focusing on discipline and organization.
Jordan’s first appearance at the 2026 World Cup marks a significant development in Jordanian football. Zakki confirmed that his work plan will involve evaluating players in the domestic league and determining who deserves a spot in the national squads.
Work Plan
Zakki intends to review the individual and collective performance of the team, emphasizing strengthening defense and attack through intensive training. He will also build a cohesive squad that adheres to teamwork and organization.
Challenges
Jordan faces strong competition in Group 2, with Uzbekistan, Bahrain, and North Korea. Zakki will need to devise a precise strategy for each match to secure positive results.
Hope
Zakki hopes Jordan will make a noticeable progress in the tournament, focusing on reaching the top four as one of the main goals for the upcoming championship.
