Jordan is also showcasing its UNESCO World Heritage sites

Jordan will make its debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Austria on 16 June at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. This historic qualification for the World Cup has provided the kingdom with yet another opportunity to shine a spotlight on its tourist attractions and promote a destination that combines a history stretching back thousands of years, spectacular natural beauty and a culture of hospitality that is among the most authentic, thanks to a rich range of tourist attractions linked above all to UNESCO World Heritage sites.

““When Jordan takes to the field on the world’s biggest sporting stage, millions of spectators will discover not only a highly talented football team, but also an extraordinary destination, rich in history, culture and hospitality,” says the Jordanian National Tourism Board. The World Cup represents an important international showcase for the destination. Many people know Jordan for Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’, but the country offers so much more: from the breathtaking desert landscapes of Wadi Rum to the healing waters of the Dead Sea, from Amman’s vibrant food and coffee culture to world-class scuba diving in Aqaba, its only outlet onto the Red Sea, which is home to luxury hotels, and the renowned Jordan Trail. The latter crosses the kingdom from north to south, offering a unique journey through nature, history and local communities. The Jordan Trail is a 750-kilometre route that can also be tackled by bike along dirt tracks, taking in the country’s breathtaking sights, including the River Jordan, the canyons along the Dead Sea, the world-famous ancient city of Petra, and the Wadi Rum desert. It will be a succession of landscapes with rocky hills dotted with olive groves and acacia bushes, citrus groves in a Mediterranean landscape with pine trees and wild pistachio trees, and a full immersion in history as you pass by the ruins of past millennia, from the Palaeolithic era to the Roman Empire and the Middle Ages. The city of Petra, considered one of the seven wonders of the world, is not to be missed. Along the Jordan Trail there are also numerous canyons (Wadi) to cross, steep climbs and barren, arid terrain as you approach Wadi Rum, a desert also known as the ‘Valley of the Moon’. The final destination is Aqaba, conquered by Lawrence of Arabia in 1917. The Red Sea is now home to numerous international resort chains and offers plenty of local markets and restaurants. The area offers over 20 diving sites and a stunning coral reef such as Yamanieh Reef. As it is a less touristy destination compared to the nearby Egyptian resorts, it guarantees a quieter and more relaxing beach holiday.

For international tourism, this moment comes at a time when Jordan continues to invest in enhancing its tourism offering, which is increasingly focused on authentic, sustainable and immersive experiences. Participation in the 2026 World Cup shines the spotlight on a dynamic nation open to the world, inviting travellers to set off and discover a destination rich in timeless charm and unexpected experiences, beyond the most well-known itineraries. Jordan’s national football team is known to its fans as Al-Nashama, ‘The Brave’.

Jordan joins the 2026 World Cup as one of four nations making their World Cup debut, kicking off with the opening match between Austria and Jordan on 16 June at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Having finished second in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup and secured their World Cup qualification thanks to a decisive victory over Oman, Jordan is now preparing to experience the most important moment in its sporting history.