Jordan’s presence on the global stage and in international forums has always been respectable and highly regarded. Every representation of Jordan at global events receives widespread praise; this small country on the world map holds an esteemed position among major nations. Jordan’s representatives have consistently risen to the occasion through their performance and solid reputation.
اضافة اعلان
In sports, serving as a benchmark for civilization, Jordan has participated in numerous competitions. Its champions in various sporting disciplines have stood on podiums, clinching gold and silver medals, particularly in individual sports.
In the current World Cup, for the very first time, Jordanians were present in the stadium stands and the crowded streets of fan-filled cities. The Nashama (the national team) granted us this historic opportunity to be amidst established nations in the world's most popular sport.
Through their organized and massive turnout, highly sophisticated behavior, and high-spirited support—while proudly carrying the symbols of their culture and history—Jordanians appeared as though they had participated in this event many times before, despite it being our national team's debut.
It is true that numerous official entities, such as the Ministry of Tourism, the Tourism Board, the Football Association, and the Jordanian Embassy in the United States, exerted commendable efforts in preparing for this participation. However, it was the Jordanian spirit of tens of thousands of fans that made the true difference on the ground.
Fortunately for us, the Nashama’s three matches took place in American cities, home to the largest Jordanian diaspora in Western nations. It was truly thrilling to witness the immense enthusiasm of the diaspora community in managing and organizing fan groups, alongside their active presence in the stands. Hundreds of those we saw in the squares and fan zones were young children and teenagers—most of whom were likely born and raised in the United States. Yet, Jordan’s mere presence in the World Cup ignited a sweeping wave of nostalgia for their homeland, manifesting in an unprecedented engagement with the Nashama’s journey, surpassing even the enthusiasm of fans back home in Jordan.
They were immensely proud of their country, their people's heritage, and the participation of a team representing Jordan. This event has demonstrated that Jordanian expatriates are truly Jordan's soft power abroad.
I learned from Jordanian observers there that members of the diaspora spent generously out of their own pockets on fan-specific events, providing all possible support to their compatriots who traveled from Jordan to cheer for the Nashama.
With this respectable presence, Jordanians knew that millions of World Cup viewers worldwide are not only drawn to watching the participating teams, but are even more captivated by the cultural identity, traditions, music, food, and civilized values of different nations. In this arena, Jordanians at the World Cup presented the best of what we have and the finest values we carry: humility, affection, and a human spirit that respects others while taking immense pride in itself and its civilized heritage.
Regrettably, our national team exited the World Cup from the group stage. However, Jordan remains present in this global spectacle thanks to the Jordanians who took part in its events—both there in the United States and here across Jordanian cities, and most importantly, on social media platforms and news outlets that broadcasted Jordan’s identity to millions around the globe. This has captured their interest to visit our country and learn more about its people's culture and long history.
We have presented our story to the world; the world no longer just knows Jordan, it now knows Jordanians as well. This victory gracefully compensates us for losing the matches.
