Jordan may be out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the tournament’s debutants left a lasting impression with a touching gesture off the pitch.After their 2-1 defeat to Algeria in California, Jordan’s hopes of advancing to the knockout stages are officially over. Having also lost their opening Group J match 3-1 to Austria, the world’s 72nd-ranked side can no longer qualify, although there is still a group stage match against Argentina on June 28. Despite the disappointment, Jordan earned praise for what they did after the game.In a video shared by FIFA, Jordan’s carpet was shown completely clean and spotless after the team had left. The players also placed a box of traditional sweets, gifts and a handwritten “Thank you” note for the stadium workers and FIFA staff.The note thanked everyone involved in organizing the tournament and helping make Jordan’s first World Cup appearance a memorable experience.Jordan also praised the “dedication, professionalism and warm hospitality” shown by the staff during the competition. In return, the team left gifts and traditional sweets as a symbol of their own culture and hospitality.FIFA highlighted the gesture on social media, describing it as “the ultimate respect” shown by the tournament’s newcomers.Jordan’s World Cup campaign came to an end after Algeria fought back from a goal down to secure a 2-1 victory.Jordan pulled off a surprise in the 36th minute when Nizar Al Rashdan finished smartly after a chance created by Mousa Al Tamari.However, Algeria responded strongly in the second half. Nadhir Benbouali equalized in the 69th minute with a header from a corner before Amine Gouiri scored the winner eight minutes from time.The win kept alive Algeria’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages and gave them their first World Cup victory in 12 years.In Group J, defending champions Argentina are on top with six points from two matches. Austria is second with three points, while Algeria also has three points but trails Austria on goal difference. Jordan remained bottom of the table without a point and was eliminated from the tournament.
