Sports
Saudi Arabia and Jordan Set for Another Clash as Familiar Rivals Eye Momentum Boost
After splitting wins in World Cup qualifiers, both teams face off in a high-stakes friendly that could set the tone for their next big fixtures
Dammam, Saudi Arabia — May 30, 2025 — The green turf of EGO Stadium will witness yet another chapter in the growing rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Jordan, as both sides meet in a much-anticipated international friendly this Friday night. While the stakes may not be official, the momentum at play couldn’t be more significant.
Drawn together during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, these two Middle Eastern powerhouses are no strangers to one another. The last time they locked horns, Jordan stunned the Saudi fans in Riyadh with a gritty 2-1 win — a result that not only dented Saudi confidence but also added a fiery edge to this rematch.
Although both teams advanced from Group H, Jordan edged Saudi Arabia into second place by virtue of goal difference. That minor gap now carries major psychological weight heading into this friendly.
The hosts, dubbed the Arabian Falcons, will be keen to restore pride. Head coach Hervé Renard is expected to field a solid eleven, despite key absences including Ali Majrashi and several players tied up with domestic King’s Cup duties. Salem Al-Dawsari, the Al Hilal winger and national team standout, will likely carry the creative load. Known for his sharp decision-making and ability to score from distance, Al-Dawsari remains the go-to man in the final third.
Meanwhile, Jordan’s “Chivalrous Ones” arrive with confidence on their side. Currently sitting second in Group B, they’re edging closer to a historic first World Cup appearance. A 1-1 draw with South Korea in Seoul and a victory over Palestine have kept the momentum alive. Coach Jamal Sellami is expected to stick with his trusted 3-4-3 setup, with the lethal trio of Mousa Al-Taamari, Mahmoud Al Mardi, and Yazan Al Naimat leading the charge.
Al Naimat, in particular, has been turning heads with his ability to exploit space and create chaos in the final third — something Saudi Arabia will need to contain early.
Statistically, Jordan hold a psychological edge, having beaten Saudi Arabia in three of their last five meetings. But the Falcons have shown flashes of resurgence, including a crucial win over China and a hard-earned draw against Japan — proof that they’re not going down without a fight.
Both teams are dealing with minor selection limitations, but the match still promises a heated tactical battle. Saudi Arabia are expected to take initiative at home, but Jordan’s compact defense and counterattacking precision could frustrate them once again.
Most experts are predicting a tight, low-scoring affair — possibly even a 1-1 draw, just like their pattern over recent games. But with World Cup qualifiers looming, this friendly is more than just practice — it’s a test of character, chemistry, and continental ambitions.