Jordan Defender Issam Smeeri's World Cup Dreams Dashed by Injury

Jordanian football fans received disheartening news as defender Issam Smeeri will miss the national team's inaugural World Cup appearance due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. The injury occurred during individual training, as confirmed by the national football association.

The setback sidelines the 26-year-old right back, who joins teammates Yazan Al-Naimat and Adham Al-Quraishi on the list of absentees for the upcoming tournament. Both players were already ruled out because of anterior cruciate ligament injuries sustained during the Arab Cup last December.

Despite the string of injuries, Jordan remains optimistic as they prepare to face formidable opponents in Group J, featuring Algeria, Austria, and reigning champions Argentina. The World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

(With inputs from agencies.)