Jordan announced it will delay the start of official working hours for public sector employees on the dates of its World Cup Group J matches. Work will begin at 10 a.m. instead of the usual 8:30 a.m. on June 17, 23, and 28 to allow citizens to follow the national team’s games more easily [1, 2].
The decision aims to let fans rally behind Jordan’s team during its first-ever World Cup appearance. A government statement said, "The decision aims to enable citizens to follow and rally behind our national football team during its historic participation in this tournament" [2].
Jordan qualified for the World Cup by finishing second in the Asian qualifying group behind South Korea. This milestone has been described as unprecedented and sparked nationwide celebrations [1, 2].
In Group J, Jordan faces Austria, Algeria, and Argentina, with all matches taking place in the United States [1, 2]. The altered work schedule corresponds exactly with these match dates.
The announcement was made on May 31 as part of preparations for the tournament [2]. Jordan’s first match is against Austria on June 17, followed by games versus Algeria on June 23 and Argentina on June 28 [2].
By allowing a later start for public sector workers on these dates, Jordan seeks both to accommodate fans’ viewing schedules and to boost national support for the team during this historic sporting event [1, 2].