Selangor’s Al-Rawabdeh Puts World Cup Dream On Hold For ACC Shopee Cup Mission

KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 (Bernama) -- Selangor FC midfielder Noor Al-Rawabdeh has opted to place his immediate focus on club success as the Malaysian side prepares for a test in the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup semi-finals.

The 29-year-old Jordan international said while representing his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains a lifelong ambition, his current priority is to help the Red Giants progress in Southeast Asia’s premier club competition.

Selangor will face Vietnam’s Nam Định FC over two legs in the semi-finals scheduled for May 6 and 13, with a place in the final at stake.

“Playing at the World Cup would mean everything to me. It is a dream for every player to represent their country on that stage.

“But right now, my focus is on performing well every day, helping Selangor in the ACC Shopee Cup and doing everything I can to make both my club and my country proud,” said Al-Rawabdeh who has earned over 50 caps for the Jordan national football team in a statement today.

Al-Rawabdeh has been a key figure for both club and country, having featured prominently in Jordan’s run to the final of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup before the West Asian side secured a historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, he is expected to be included in head coach Jamal Sellami’s squad for the tournament in the United States, where Jordan will face defending champions Argentina as well as Algeria and Austria in the group stage.

Meanwhile, Selangor advanced to the semi-finals after finishing second in Group A behind Buriram United FC on goal difference, recording two wins and three draws in the group phase.

Al-Rawabdeh is expected to play a pivotal role as the Red Giants aim to reach the final of the competition for the first time.

-- BERNAMA