Algeria came from behind to defeat Jordan 2-1 in Group J of the FIFA World Cup 2026, keeping their Round of 32 hopes alive while confirming Argentina as group winners.
Hossam Abu Dahab (L) of Jordan battles for possession with Amine Gouiri of Algeria during the Group J match between Jordan and Algeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in San Francisco, the United States, on Monday, June 22, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua via IANS)
Algeria kept their FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout hopes alive with a spirited 2-1 comeback victory over Jordan in a crucial Group J clash at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on Monday.
After falling behind in the first half, Algeria responded with two second-half goals from set pieces to secure their first win of the tournament and remain in contention for a place in the Round of 32. The result also confirmed Argentina as Group J winners, while Jordan were eliminated from the competition.
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With both sides entering the match on the back of opening-round defeats, a positive result was essential. Algeria started brightly and enjoyed more possession in the early stages, but Jordan remained disciplined defensively and struck first against the run of play in the 36th minute.
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Mousa Al Tamari’s sliced effort across the penalty area inadvertently found Nizar Al Rashdan, who produced a composed finish with the outside of his right foot to put Jordan ahead. The goal also made Algeria the 44th nation to score at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Jordan carried their lead into halftime, but Algeria emerged with renewed purpose after the break and gradually increased the pressure.
Their persistence paid off in the 69th minute when Nadhir Benbouali rose highest to head home from a corner and bring Algeria level.
The momentum had firmly shifted, and Algeria completed the turnaround eight minutes from time. Another dangerous delivery from a set piece caused problems inside the Jordan penalty area, with Amine Gouiri reacting quickest to poke home from close range and seal a vital victory.
Algeria managed the closing stages comfortably to claim all three points and keep their qualification hopes alive heading into the final round of group matches.
Despite the win, Algeria’s defensive struggles remain a concern. The North Africans have kept just one clean sheet in their last 15 FIFA World Cup matches, a record dating back to their goalless draw against England at the 2010 tournament.
The victory lifts Algeria back into contention in Group J, while Jordan’s hopes of progressing came to an end with a second consecutive defeat.
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