Algeria keep World Cup knockout hopes alive with comeback win over Jordan
Algeria secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Jordan in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J clash at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on June 22, 2026, keeping their knockout-stage hopes alive while eliminating Jordan from the tournament. The win marked Algeria's first World Cup victory in 12 years.
Both teams entered the match desperate for points after losing their opening fixtures. Algeria dominated possession early on, but Jordan struck first against the run of play in the 36th minute. A miscued effort from Mousa Al Tamari fell kindly to Nizar Al Rashdan, who finished smartly with the outside of his right boot to give Jordan a 1-0 lead.
Second-half turnaround secures vital win for Algeria
Algeria increased their pressure after the break and were rewarded in the 69th minute when Nadhir Benbouali rose highest to head home from a corner, restoring parity. The North African side continued pressing and completed the turnaround in the 82nd minute. Amine Gouiri reacted quickest inside the box to tuck home from close range after the ball dropped to him from another set-piece situation.
According to match reports, the goal proved decisive as Algeria secured a vital win, marking their first World Cup victory since 2014 and keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive. For Jordan, the defeat confirmed elimination from the tournament in their maiden World Cup appearance after two straight losses.
Group J standings after Algeria's win
In Group J, defending champions Argentina lead the table with six points from two matches, having won both with a goal difference of +5. Austria are second with three points from two matches (one win, one loss), while Algeria sit third on three points with an inferior goal difference after one win and one defeat. Jordan are bottom with zero points from two losses and have been eliminated.
Algeria will now need to win their final group match and hope other results go their way to advance to the knockout stage. Jordan, meanwhile, will play for pride in their final match before exiting the tournament.
