Algeria breathed new life into their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Jordan in Group J on Monday, recovering from an early setback to claim three crucial points.
The Desert Foxes entered the match under pressure after losing their opening fixture and looked set for another disappointing result when Jordan struck first before half-time.
Jordan, appearing at the World Cup for the first time in their history, made a bright start and were rewarded in the 36th minute when Nizar Al-Rashdan found the breakthrough. The midfielder capitalised on a defensive lapse to give his side a deserved lead and leave Algeria facing the prospect of elimination.
Despite enjoying the majority of possession, Algeria struggled to create clear opportunities during the opening period and went into the interval trailing.
The North Africans emerged with greater urgency after the restart and gradually began to pin Jordan back inside their own half. Their persistence was eventually rewarded when Nadhir Benbouali rose highest to meet a Riyad Mahrez corner, powering a header into the net to level the scores.
The equaliser transformed the contest, with Algeria pushing relentlessly for a winner while Jordan attempted to hold firm.
Their breakthrough arrived 13 minutes from time. Following a scramble inside the penalty area, Amine Gouiri reacted quickest to force the ball over the line and complete the turnaround.
Jordan continued to battle until the final whistle but were unable to find a second goal as Algeria secured a victory that keeps their hopes of reaching the knockout stages firmly alive.
The result leaves Algeria with everything to play for heading into their final group match against Austria, while Jordan’s chances of progressing have been extinguished despite an encouraging display.
Argentina have already secured qualification from Group J, meaning the battle for the remaining place in the knockout rounds will be settled on the final matchday.
Algeria face Austria in a decisive encounter on 27 June, while Jordan conclude their campaign against the already-qualified Argentines.
