Jordan vs Korea Republic
The third round of the World Cup 2026 Asian qualifiers continues this week, with the remaining teams looking to claim supremacy in the region’s qualifying stage.
In the tournament’s Group B, South Korea will aim to unseat Jordan at the top as both countries will go head-to-head on Thursday at the Amman International Stadium in Jordan.
Locked in a three-way tie with South Korea and Iraq (Jordan only leading on goal difference), Jamal Sellami’s side drew 1-1 with Kuwait and won 3-1 against Palestine last month.
Meanwhile, the Taegeuk Warriors were victorious against Oman (3-1), but faced an upset after a 0-0 draw against Palestine.
The clash, however, will have key players unable to suit up as injuries have forced both managers to leave some familiar faces back home.
Talking Points
Can Jordan have their gunners ready on time?
Al-Nashama will go into battle with South Korea, albeit in a handicap, as the squad are on the verge of missing two of their best attacking threats in Musa Al-Taamari and Yazan Al-Naimat.
Al-Taamari—who plays for French club Montpellier—has been on a tear in the qualifiers so far, scoring six goals in the tournament.
Hailed as the ‘Jordanian Messi,’ Al-Taamari thrashed Pakistan in the second round as the 27-year-old scored five goals in two fixtures. He’s also scored in his last appearance for Jordan against Kuwait, netting the team’s only goal in that match.
Last season, Al-Taamari also did quite well for himself, finishing with five goals and two assists in 27 league matches for Montpellier. He was also pivotal in the country’s AFC Asian Cup run, helping Jordan reach the final before bowing out to Qatar.
However, his ankle injury during Jordan’s match with Kuwait was a serious one, with Al-Taamari still unable to compete until this day.
Couple Al-Taamari’s injury with Al-Naimat’s and Jordan will have a difficult task ahead of them come Thursday.
Al-Naimat has also been one of the best scorers in the qualifiers, notching five goals to his name so far.
And just like Al-Taamari’s lengthy absence so far, Al-Naimat’s injury (rib) last September has also forced him to stay on the sidelines.
Still, both players are in Sellami’s 28-man squad, but it remains to be seen if either Al-Taamari and Al-Naimat will see some action.
Son Heung-min won’t be with South Korea
He has since missed three matches in a row since the injury.
The 32-year-old winger is the joint leading scorer so far in the qualifiers, scoring eight goals to his name (tied with Ayase Ueda of Japan and Almoez Ali of Qatar).
Prior to Son’s injury, he was yet another footballer who spoke out against the current scheduling, leaving players more susceptible to injuries.
“A lot of games, a lot of travelling. We’ve got to look after ourselves, which sometimes is very hard. Mentally, physically, you’re not ready. Then going onto the pitch and then the risk of injury is massive. We’re not robots,” he said.
He was replaced by Mainz midfielder Hong Hyun-seok in the lineup.
History
Not shockingly, Mousa Al-Taamari and Yazan Al-Naimat were the scorers for Jordan in the win.
In their last four meetings, both sides have had one win apiece, with a couple of 2-2 draws in between.
Betting Tip
Whilst both teams boast good World Cup 2026 results, with Jordan even leading the group over South Korea, the Koreans are still favoured to win in this meeting according to the World Cup 2026 odds.
The Taegeuk Warriors are priced at 1.66, with Jordan as the dogs at 4.14. And if you think nothing will separate the two, then bet on the draw, which goes for 3.26.
But even without Son, I believe the advantage South Korea will have in this one is big enough for the win.
The likes of Lee Kang-in, Hwang Hee-chan, Kim Min-jae and Lee Jae-sung along with a string of players from other top-flight leagues should be enough for Hong Myung-bo’s side to pull through.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
