Algeria staged a dramatic second-half comeback to defeat Jordan 2-1 in a crucial Group J clash of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
Jordan, making their World Cup debut, shocked the North Africans when Nizar Al-Rashdan gave them the lead in the 36th minute.
However, Algeria responded strongly after the break, with substitute Nadhir Benbouali heading home the equaliser from a Riyad Mahrez corner before Amine Gouiri completed the turnaround with the winner in the 77th minute.
The victory handed the Desert Foxes their first three points of the tournament and moved them level with Austria in Group J, while Jordan’s second successive defeat confirmed their elimination from the competition.
Captain Riyad Mahrez played a key role in the comeback as Algeria dominated the second half and revived their chances of progressing to the Round of 32.
Algeria will now face Austria in a decisive final group encounter, while Jordan will conclude their historic first World Cup campaign against already-qualified Argentina.
