World Cup Qualifiers: Kuwait Holds Jordan to a Draw

Jordan squandered its lead with a beautiful goal by Yazan Al-Naimat, as Mohammad Dhaman equalized in the second half to secure a 1-1 draw against hosts Kuwait in the third round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, dropping Jordan to third place in Group B.

Jordan now has 9 points, trailing by two points behind Iraq and five points behind South Korea, the group leader. Kuwait earned its fourth point after four draws.

Jordan was dominant in the first half, taking the lead in the 21st minute with a curling shot from outside the box by Al-Naimat.

After the goal, the visiting team continued its control, wasting several chances through Mousa Al-Tamari and Al-Naimat, before Kuwait mounted a comeback after the break.

Kuwait’s Eid Al-Rashedi launched a powerful shot, and Jordan’s goalkeeper Yazeed Abu Layla was injured after a fierce challenge with Salman Al-Awadi, forcing him to leave the field with Abdullah Al-Fakhouri replacing him.

Dhaman fired a long-range shot that deceived the substitute goalkeeper Al-Fakhouri, leveling the score for the hosts in the 68th minute.

In stoppage time, substitute Al-Awadi missed a golden opportunity for Kuwait, firing wide of the post after a counterattack in the 9th minute of added time.