Algeria pulled off a stunning second-half comeback to defeat Jordan 2-1 on Monday evening, keeping their 2026 World Cup knockout-stage hopes alive while sending their opponents crashing out of Group J.
After absorbing prolonged pressure from the North African side, Jordan stunned the stadium by opening the scoring in the 36th minute. A swift counter-attack exposed a defensive lapse, and midfielder Nizar Al-Rashdan drove a low shot into the corner to give Jordan a surprise lead.
Algeria persisted with their attacks and finally found the equaliser in the 69th minute. Substitute Nadhir Benbouali met a corner from Riyad Mahrez with a powerful header, restoring parity. Just eight minutes later, Amine Gouiri pounced on a goalmouth scramble to slot home and put Algeria 2-1 ahead.
The result ends Jordan's World Cup 2026 campaign with just one point from two matches. Algeria, meanwhile, sit top of Group J with four points and are well placed to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
