The country of Jordan is heading home after failing to advance from the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but they left their mark on the tournament and on North Texas.
Jordan lost 3-1 to Argentina and Lionel Messi on Saturday night; their third straight loss at the World Cup, but they scored a goal in every game.
Messi became the first player to score in 7 straight World Cup games while extending his goals record. Messi scored in the 80th minute on a free kick, his 72nd career free kick goal and 12th for Argentina.
Lionel Messi came off the bench against Jordan and scored his 19th World Cup goal, becoming the first player ever to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches.
Argentina fans went viral for taking over Klyde Warren Park and Dallas Stadium.
Arlington’s Entertainment District is packed as fans from around the world gather for the FIFA World Cup match between Argentina and Jordan at Dallas Stadium. NBC 5’s Tahera Rahman reported live from the Loews Convention Center with a unique perspective on the international atmosphere, the passionate fans and the excitement surrounding one of the tournament’s biggest matchdays in North Texas.
Jordan fans were also out and about. Richardson’s Khashoka even welcomed the King of the country and the national team Sunday.
“Everyone is excited. I think half of Jordan actually came to Dallas to watch the Argentina game,” Muhammad Albakri, owner of Khashoka, said. “What His Majesty ate is the same thing that every guest comes here and actually takes as an experience.”
The fans say the World Cup is about putting their country, with a population of about 11.5 million, on the map.