National team coach Jamal Sellami has handed a surprise call-up to Mohammad Abu Zrayq for the upcoming training camp of the Jordan national football team as preparations intensify ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The midfielder, who currently plays for Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca, has been included in Sellami’s squad for the March international window. His selection has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts, with many describing the call-up as a surprise decision by the Jordanian tactician.
Abu Zrayq is expected to travel later this week to link up with the national team camp, where the squad will undergo intensive preparations during the FIFA international break. After the camp concludes, the midfielder will return to Raja Casablanca to resume club duties.
Key Friendlies on the Horizon
During the training camp, Jordan will play two important friendly matches designed to sharpen the squad ahead of the World Cup.
The team will first face the Nigeria national football team on March 27, before taking on the Costa Rica national football team on March 31.
Both fixtures are expected to provide coach Sellami with valuable opportunities to evaluate players, test tactical ideas, and assess how the team performs against strong international opposition.
For Abu Zrayq, the matches could represent a crucial opportunity to prove that he deserves a permanent place in the national team setup.
Surprise but Strategic Selection
While the call-up has surprised some observers, it also highlights Sellami’s willingness to experiment with his squad as Jordan prepare for the biggest tournament in world football.
Abu Zrayq has been performing consistently at club level with Raja Casablanca, showcasing creativity in midfield and the ability to influence games in advanced positions. Those qualities appear to have caught the attention of the national team technical staff.
By including the Raja midfielder, Sellami may be looking to add fresh attacking options and greater depth to Jordan’s squad.
World Cup Challenge Awaits
Jordan’s preparations are particularly important given the difficulty of their group at the 2026 tournament.
The draw has placed them in Group E, where they will face football heavyweights including Argentina national football team, African powerhouse Algeria national football team, and European side Austria national football team.
It is a challenging group that will demand strong performances and tactical discipline if Jordan are to compete effectively.
Chance to Impress
For Mohammad Abu Zrayq, the upcoming camp could be a defining moment in his international career.
A strong showing in training and in the friendly matches may convince the coaching staff that he deserves a regular role in the squad heading into the World Cup.
For now, the focus will be on the March camp, where Sellami and his players will begin the serious work of preparing for football’s biggest stage.
