Yazan Al-Naimat

World Cup 2026 Analysis

Yazan Al-Naimat's prospects for the FIFA World Cup 2026 have been significantly impacted by a recent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Despite playing a pivotal role in Jordan's historic qualification for the tournament, his participation is now uncertain.

Latest News and Injury Update:

Al-Naimat sustained a torn ACL in his right knee on December 12, 2025, during the FIFA Arab Cup quarter-final match against Iraq. He successfully underwent surgery on December 17, 2025, at Aspetar in Doha, Qatar. Medical sources suggest a recovery period of approximately six months, with his expected return to the field around July 31, 2026. This timeline places his potential return after the commencement of the FIFA World Cup, which is scheduled to begin on June 11, 2026.

There has also been a free medical offer for stem cell treatment from a Jordanian orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Reda Khatatneh, to accelerate Al-Naimat's recovery. This procedure, typically applied eight weeks post-ACL reconstruction surgery, aims to expedite healing and prepare him for an intensive rehabilitation program, potentially enhancing his readiness for a safe return to play.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Prospects and Analysis:

Yazan Al-Naimat, a 26-year-old forward who plays for Al-Arabi SC in the Qatar Stars League and the Jordan national team, has been a crucial offensive asset for Jordan. He was instrumental in Jordan securing their first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification, scoring eight goals during the qualification campaign. His importance to the national team is further highlighted by his strong performances, including being the team's top scorer with four goals in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, where Jordan reached the final.

Given his expected return date of late July 2026, Al-Naimat faces a race against time to regain full fitness and match sharpness for the World Cup, which starts in mid-June. While his surgery was successful and an offer for accelerated treatment exists, a full recovery from an ACL tear and subsequent return to peak performance typically requires a significant rehabilitation period.

Jordan's coach, Jamal Sellami, expressed hope for Al-Naimat's World Cup participation, emphasizing that recovery depends on the player's will, body response, and mental preparation. However, even if he returns by the estimated date, he would have missed vital preparation time and potentially the initial matches of the tournament. His ability to contribute at the highest level immediately after such a severe injury will be a significant challenge.

In summary, while Yazan Al-Naimat is a key player for the Jordanian national team and played a crucial role in their World Cup qualification, his ACL injury and projected recovery timeline make his participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026 highly doubtful, particularly for the early stages of the competition. His prospects hinge entirely on the speed and success of his rehabilitation.