Algeria kept their FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout hopes firmly alive with a spirited 2-1 comeback victory over Jordan in a crucial Group J clash on Monday night, overturning an early deficit with two second-half set-piece goals.The win, secured at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, marked Algeria’s first World Cup victory since 2014 and also ended Jordan’s debut campaign after two straight defeats.
Jordan strike first but Algeria respond late
Both sides entered the contest under pressure after opening-match losses, but it was Jordan who struck first against the run of play. In the 36th minute, Mousa Al Tamari’s effort fell kindly inside the box, allowing Nizar Al Rashdan to finish confidently with the outside of his right boot and register Jordan’s first-ever World Cup goal lead.Algeria, however, grew into the game after the break and began to dominate possession and territory. Their persistence finally paid off in the 69th minute when substitute Nadhir Benbouali rose highest to meet Riyad Mahrez’s corner, powering a header into the net to level the score.The equaliser shifted momentum firmly in Algeria’s favour as wave after wave of attacks followed, with Jordan struggling to contain the pressure.
Gouiri completes turnaround as knockout hopes remain alive
Algeria completed their comeback in the 82nd minute, once again capitalising on a set-piece situation. Amine Gouiri reacted quickest inside the box as the ball dropped following another corner, guiding it home from close range after a deflection to seal a crucial 2-1 lead.The goal sparked celebrations among Algeria’s supporters behind the goal, with the North African side holding firm in the closing stages to secure a vital three points.The victory carries historic significance, marking Algeria’s first World Cup win after conceding the opening goal in a match, having previously failed to win any of their nine such encounters (seven defeats and two draws).The result also keeps Algeria in contention for a Round of 32 place. After an opening 3-0 defeat to Argentina, they now sit on three points in Group J and can still finish second with a win over Austria in their final group game.For Jordan, the defeat confirmed elimination from their maiden World Cup appearance, despite a spirited effort across both matches.Argentina lead the group with six points from two wins, while Austria sit second on three points with a superior goal difference over Algeria, setting up a tense final round of fixtures in Group J.
