ARLINGTON, Texas — King Abdullah II of Jordan visited North Texas over the weekend during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, meeting with local leaders and dining at an authentic Jordanian restaurant in Richardson as his country made its tournament debut.
The king met with Arlington Mayor Jim Ross ahead of Jordan's first-ever World Cup match against Argentina at Dallas Stadium on Saturday. The two discussed the Jordan-U.S. partnership and ways to expand cooperation, according to a news release from the city.
"It was an honor to welcome a world leader to our city as fans from around the globe gather here for tonight's match between Jordan and Argentina," Ross said. "Moments like these remind us that Arlington truly is on the world stage, bringing people together through sport, friendship, and shared experiences."
Jordan fell 3–1 to Argentina, ending its World Cup campaign, but the king's visit extended beyond the stadium. On Sunday, King Abdullah dined at Khashoka Middle East Cuisine in Richardson, the first U.S. location of a Jordan-based restaurant franchise. Owner Mohammed Albakri, 25, said the king ordered galayet bandora, a traditional pan-fried tomato stew, and insisted that other diners be served before him.
"The king is the most humble individual I have ever seen in my entire life," Albakri said. "He insisted on us serving all the other guests who were in the restaurant while he was there. The same plate of food from the menu that the king enjoyed is the same plate and recipe that we served to every single customer."