Kuwaiti players hold training sessions for the qualifier against Jordan.

DUBAI, Aug 31: Kuwait is intensifying its training at a preparatory camp in Dubai ahead of their crucial match against Jordan on September 5 in the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Acting head of the Kuwait Football Association, Haif along with Kuwait's Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Ambassador Ali Al-Dhaidi, have been actively supporting the team, ensuring the camp proceeds smoothly and effectively.

National team’s director Saud Al-Mejmid told KUNA that the camp is a vital part of Kuwait's serious preparations for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Jordan. "Our goal is to improve player performance and strengthen team spirit ahead of this important match," Al-Mejmid stated. He emphasized the importance of focusing on both physical and tactical training, as well as psychological preparation, noting that the technical staff is working diligently to develop strategies that will lead to positive results.

Ambassador Al-Zaidi expressed his hopes that the Kuwait team will deliver a performance that honors the country's football legacy. He urged the players to give their best efforts to meet the expectations of Kuwaiti fans and secure a place in the final rounds. Al-Zaidi also highlighted the Consulate General’s commitment to supporting the team and providing all necessary facilities to ensure the success of their camp in Dubai.

Jordan's coach, Jamal Salami, has announced a 26-player squad for the upcoming matches against Kuwait and Palestine. The list includes:

Yazid Abu Laila, Nour Bani Attia, Abdullah Al-Fakhouri, Ihsan Haddad, Yousef Abu Al-Jazar, Mohammed Abu Hashesh, Muhannad Abu Taha, Abdullah Naseeb, Saad Al-Rawsan, Yazan Al-Arab, Mohammed Abu Al-Nadi, Salem Al-Ajaleen, Hussam Abu Dhahab, Ibrahim Saada, Nour Al-Din Al-Rawabdeh, Nizar Al-Rashdan, Rajai Ayed, Mahmoud Shawkat, Yousef Abu Jalboush, Mahmoud Mardi, Mohammed Abu Zureiq, Ali Alwan, Musa Al-Taamari, Abdullah Al-Attar, Rizq Bani Hani, and Yazan Al-Naimat.

Notably, eight players who participated in the recent internal camp, which included two matches against North Korea, were excluded from the squad. The first match ended in a goalless draw, while Jordan won the second match 2-1, with goals from Ali Alwan.

Coach Salami commented on the upcoming qualifiers, stating, "There are no longer small teams; any team can pose a threat. South Korea and Iraq are strong contenders in the group stage, and Palestine could be a dark horse. However, I am confident in our team's ability, as we have talented players eager to build on the momentum from the Asian Cup final."

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/ArabTimes Staff