Algeria kept them FIFA World Cup The 2026 knockout hopes are firmly alive with a spirited 2-1 comeback win over Jordan in a crucial Group J clash on Monday night, overturning an early deficit with two second-half goals.The victory, 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 successive defeats.
Jordan strikes first, but Algeria responds late
Both sides came into the contest under pressure after losing the opening game, but it was Jordan who struck first against the run of play. In the 36th minute, Mousa Al Tamari’s effort fell into the box, allowing Nizar Al Rashdan to finish confidently with the outside of his right boot to register Jordan’s first World Cup goal lead.Algeria, however, entered 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, heading home the equalizer.The equalizer swung the momentum strongly in Algeria’s favor as they unleashed wave after wave of attack and Jordan struggled to contain the pressure.
Gouiri completes the turnaround as knockout hopes remain alive
Algeria completed its comeback in the 82nd minute, once again taking advantage of an even situation. Amine Gouiri was quickest to react inside the penalty area when the ball fell after another corner, heading in from close range after the rebound for a crucial 2-1 lead.The goal sparked a celebration among the Algerian fans behind the goal, and the North African team held firm in the end to secure the crucial three points.The win is historic, marking Algeria’s first World Cup win after conceding the first goal of the game, having previously failed to win any of their nine such meetings (seven defeats and two draws).The result also keeps Algeria in contention for 32nd place. After a 3-0 opening defeat against Argentina, they now have 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 first World Cup appearance, despite spirited efforts in both games.Argentina lead the group with six points from two wins, while Austria are second with three points on a better goal difference than Algeria, setting up a tense final round of Group J encounters.
