Jordan is going to its first-ever FIFA World Cup — but every single match kicks off at dawn. All three group games land between 05:00 and 07:00 EEST, meaning Jordanian fans will need to set alarms (or simply not sleep) to witness history. JRTV airs all Jordan matches free on state TV. For the biggest moment in Jordanian football history, waking up early is a small price to pay.
Where to Watch: Free and Paid
- JRTV (Jordan Radio and Television Corporation) — Free state television. All Jordan national team matches broadcast free-to-air
- beIN Sports MENA — All 104 matches via satellite and beIN CONNECT streaming (paid subscription)
How to Start Watching
JRTV (Free — Jordan Matches)
- Live TV: JRTV Sports channel via terrestrial broadcast, satellite, and cable operators across Jordan
- Streaming: JRTV online platforms and social media
- Commentary: Arabic commentary with full pre-match and post-match analysis
- Availability: Free across all of Jordan — no subscription required
beIN Sports MENA (All 104 Matches)
- Satellite: Available via Arabsat/Nilesat
- Streaming: beIN CONNECT app and website
- Devices: iOS, Android, Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Smart TVs, web browser
- Commentary: Arabic and English feeds
- Features: Multi-screen, 4K on select matches, on-demand replays
When to Watch: Kickoff Times in Jordan
Jordan uses EEST (UTC+3) during summer with daylight saving time:
| US Kickoff (ET) | Local Time (EEST) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| 11:00 AM ET | 18:00 EEST | Early evening — great |
| 2:00 PM ET | 21:00 EEST | Prime time — perfect |
| 5:00 PM ET | 00:00 EEST (+1 day) | Midnight — doable |
| 8:00 PM ET | 03:00 EEST (+1 day) | Deep night — tough |
Group J Schedule (Jordan time):
| Match | Date / Local Time | City |
|---|---|---|
| Jordan vs Austria | June 17, 07:00 EEST | Santa Clara |
| Jordan vs Algeria | June 23, 06:00 EEST | Santa Clara |
| Jordan vs Argentina | June 28, 05:00 EEST | Arlington (Dallas) |
Every match is at dawn. The Austria opener at 07:00 is the most manageable — early but not unreasonable. The Algeria match at 06:00 and the Argentina showdown at 05:00 require serious dedication. But for Jordan’s first-ever World Cup, the entire kingdom will be setting alarms.
Must-Watch Matches
- Final — July 19, MetLife Stadium. 22:00 EEST
- Semifinals — July 14-15
- Jordan vs Austria — June 17, 07:00 EEST. Jordan’s first-ever World Cup match. A moment that will be etched in the nation’s history forever
- Jordan vs Argentina — June 28, 05:00 EEST. Facing Messi’s Argentina in what could be a group-stage decider — the ultimate dawn wake-up call
Making History
- First ever: Jordan has never appeared at a FIFA World Cup. The 2026 tournament is an unprecedented achievement for Jordanian football
- 2023 Asian Cup run: Jordan reached the Asian Cup final in 2023, signaling their rise as a serious footballing nation
- Royal support: The Jordanian Royal Family are passionate football supporters — expect national celebrations and royal addresses around match days
- Women’s football pioneer: Jordan has also been a leader in women’s football in the region, hosting the first FIFA women’s tournament in the Middle East
Watch Culture
- Fajr football: With all matches at dawn, expect a unique blend of pre-dawn prayers and football viewing — many fans will head to cafes straight after Fajr
- Amman cafes: Rainbow Street and downtown Amman cafes will open at dawn for viewing parties
- Workplace viewing: Employers across Jordan are expected to allow late starts or provide screens on match mornings
- Aqaba and Irbid: Fan zones planned across Jordan’s major cities
- Jordanian diaspora: Large communities in the Gulf states, particularly UAE and Saudi Arabia, where kickoff times are identical (AST = EEST in summer)
FAQ
Can I watch Jordan’s World Cup matches for free? Yes. JRTV (Jordan Radio and Television Corporation) broadcasts all Jordan matches free-to-air on state television.
What time do Jordan’s matches start locally? All three group matches kick off between 05:00 and 07:00 EEST (early morning). You’ll need to set an alarm — or stay up all night.
Is this really Jordan’s first World Cup? Yes. Jordan has never qualified for a FIFA World Cup before 2026. This is a historic first for Jordanian football.
Can I watch all 104 matches in Jordan? Yes. beIN Sports MENA covers all 104 matches via satellite and beIN CONNECT streaming, available in Jordan with a paid subscription.