Image: from ꜱᴘᴏʀᴛꜱ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ X @_mkverma
By Open Chronicle with agencies
Algeria staged a dramatic second-half comeback to defeat Jordan 2-1 on Monday and keep their FIFA World Cup 2026 hopes alive, while condemning the tournament debutants to elimination from the competition.
Two goals from corner kicks in the final 25 minutes turned the match around at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, handing Algeria their first victory of the tournament and ending Jordan’s chances of reaching the knockout stage.
The result leaves Algeria level on three points with Austria in Group J, while Argentina has already secured first place after defeating Austria earlier in the day.
Jordan Strike First
Jordan entered the match seeking their first points of the tournament and showed attacking intent from the opening minutes.
Nizar Al Rashdan tested goalkeeper Luca Zidane after just one minute, while star winger Mousa Al Tamari caused problems for the Algerian defense throughout the first half.
Algeria responded through prolonged spells of possession and created several opportunities. Captain Riyad Mahrez twice found himself in promising positions after excellent long-range passes from Hicham Boudaoui, but Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abu Laila and defender Husam Abu Dahab denied the former Manchester City star.
Farès Chaibi and Amine Gouiri also went close, but it was Jordan who found the breakthrough.
In the 36th minute, a high turnover deep in Algeria’s half allowed Jordan to launch a swift attack. Mohannad Abu Taha delivered a dangerous cross from the left, Mousa Al Tamari failed to convert the initial chance, but Al Rashdan reacted quickest to score from close range and give the Asian side a surprise lead.
Algeria Turn the Match Around
The North Africans struggled to recover before halftime but emerged stronger after the break.
Jordan continued to defend resolutely, with Abu Laila producing important saves to deny Ibrahim Maza and substitute Nadhir Benbouali.
However, Algeria’s pressure eventually paid off in the 69th minute. Mahrez delivered a precise corner from the right and Benbouali rose highest to head home the equaliser, scoring shortly after entering the match.
The goal transformed the momentum of the contest, with Algeria pushing relentlessly for a winner.
After Luca Zidane kept Algeria level with a key save from Mahmoud Al Mardi, the decisive moment arrived in the 82nd minute.
Substitute Anis Hadj Moussa whipped in another dangerous corner from the right. A slight deflection off Al Rashdan created confusion inside the penalty area, allowing Amine Gouiri to react quickest and complete the comeback from close range.
Jordan Eliminated
Jordan struggled to mount a response during the closing stages and failed to create significant chances after falling behind.
Ibrahim Maza nearly added a third goal for Algeria late on, but Abu Laila prevented further damage.
The final whistle confirmed Jordan’s elimination from the tournament, making them the first of the four debuting nations at the 2026 World Cup to be knocked out. They join Haiti, Türkiye, and Tunisia among the teams already eliminated.
Qualification Race Continues
Algeria’s victory revives their hopes of reaching the Round of 32 for the first time since their memorable 2014 campaign.
Vladimir Petkovic’s side will now face Austria in a decisive final Group J match, with qualification still within reach.
Jordan, meanwhile, will conclude their historic first World Cup appearance against defending champions Argentina, who have already secured top spot in the group.
Despite the disappointment of elimination, the Middle Eastern side earned respect with competitive performances and moments of quality throughout their maiden World Cup campaign.