Jordan knocked out of FIFA World Cup as resilient Algeria stage comeback victory
A resilient Algeria were able to sneak through the low block of Jordan on Tuesday, keeping their campaign alive at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri scored second-half goals from corner kicks as Algeria rallied for a 2-1 victory over Jordan in their Group J clash in Santa Clara, California.
Benbouali’s goal in the 69th minute was Algeria’s first at the World Cup since the 2014 tournament in Brazil and opened the floodgates for wave after wave of attacks, breaking Jordan’s stubborn resistance that had held firm for most of the evening.
FIFA World Cup: Algeria vs Jordan Full Highlights
For long periods, it looked like Jordan would script one of the biggest results in their footballing history.
The tournament debutants took the lead through Nizar Al Rashdan — the country’s first-ever World Cup goal — and sat deep, forcing Algeria to move the ball wide and repeatedly attack packed defensive lines. Jordan frustrated Algeria for nearly an hour and looked increasingly comfortable protecting their advantage.
But set pieces changed everything.
With momentum slowly swinging, Riyad Mahrez delivered a teasing ball into the area in the 69th minute and Benbouali rose highest to send his header beyond Yazeed Abulaila and restore parity.
The equaliser transformed the game.
Algeria began winning second balls, pressing with greater urgency and committing more numbers forward. Jordan, who had defended bravely until then, started losing control of territory and eventually paid the price.
With eight minutes left in regulation time, Amine Gouiri found the decisive touch inside the box after another dangerous delivery created chaos in front of goal. The ball took a deflection and squeezed beyond Abulaila, sparking celebrations among the travelling Algeria supporters.
The comeback carried added significance for Algeria. It marked the first time in World Cup history that they had won a match after conceding first, having previously failed to do so in nine such games.
After opening their campaign with defeat against Argentina, Algeria have now revived their hopes of reaching the knockout stages. A win against Austria in their final group-stage game would secure second place in Group J and send them through.
Jordan, meanwhile, became the first side from Group J to be eliminated. But despite the result, Jamal Sellami’s team showed enough organisation and discipline to suggest they belonged on football’s biggest stage.
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