In a thrilling encounter, Algeria mounted a remarkable comeback to defeat Jordan 2-1 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J match, securing their place in the knockout rounds and sending Jordan home early. Despite trailing after Nizar Al-Rashdan’s 36th-minute strike, Algeria’s resilience shone through as they surged back into the match.
The turning point came in the 69th minute when substitute Nadhir Benbouali capitalized on a Riyad Mahrez corner, equalizing with a powerful header.
The momentum shifted further eight minutes from the end as Amine Gouiri’s decisive tap-in secured the victory for Algeria. Coach Vladimir Petkovic’s decision to bench star attacker Riyad Mahrez against Argentina and start him against Jordan proved pivotal, as Mahrez played a crucial role in dismantling Jordan’s defense.
The victory was a significant morale boost for Algeria, marking their first win at the World Cup since 2014. It also ensured that defending champions Argentina would advance to the round of 32 as group winners, following their earlier 2-0 win over Austria.
As the tournament progresses, Algeria will look to capitalize on this morale — boosting win and aim for further success in the knockout stages. For Jordan, it’s a chance to regroup and build towards future participation in the World Cup.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: aljazeera
Source: Reuters
