KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor’s midfield dynamo, Noor Al-Rawabdeh, has every reason to smile these days - his nation are heading to the World Cup!
The 28-year-old Jordanian has etched his name into footballing history as part of the Jordan squad that secured a maiden qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, their first in 11 attempts.
The breakthrough came on Thursday, following Jordan’s emphatic 3-0 win over Oman, where Ali Olwan netted a sensational hattrick.
Later that evening, South Korea’s 2-0 triumph over Iraq in Basra sealed the West Asian nation’s place in the World Cup.
For Al-Rawabdeh, who has been turning heads with his commanding displays for the Red Giants since joining in 2023, the moment was nothing short of surreal.
“In a moment, the dream became reality. And in a second, everything flashed before my eyes - the beginnings, the injuries, the moments of despair. But now, all that fatigue and effort has meaning,” said Al-Rawabdeh, reflecting on the historic achievement.
The all-action midfielder has been a linchpin in Jordan’s rise since their remarkable run to the AFC Asian Cup final in 2023, where they finished runners-up.
With 49 caps to his name since making his debut in 2019, Al-Rawabdeh’s blend of grit and guile has made him one of the pillars of his national side.
Back in Malaysia, the news sparked joy among his Selangor teammates and fans alike. Messages of congratulations flooded in from his clubmates, underscoring the camaraderie that runs deep at the Klang Valley-based club.
“We are a family in Selangor. Everyone is so happy for me and for Jordan. I want to thank all the Red Giants fans for their kind words and messages — it means a lot.”
Al-Rawabdeh’s journey to the World Cup is not just a personal triumph. It is a story of resilience, belief, and a new chapter in Jordan’s footballing legacy. And Selangor, too, can take pride in watching one of their own shine on the global stage.
