Algeria produced a strong second-half response to defeat Jordan 2-1 in a 2026 World Cup Group J match played on Monday in Santa Clara, a result that eliminated the Asian debutants from the tournament.
Jordan national football team took an early lead through Nizar al-Rashdan, putting pressure on the North African side in the opening stages.
However, Algeria national football team responded through Amine Gouiri, who levelled the score and shifted momentum back in Algeria’s favour before halftime.
The decisive moment came in the 82nd minute when Nadhir Benbouali found the back of the net to complete the comeback and seal all three points for Algeria.
The victory keeps Algeria in contention for a place in the knockout rounds. They now sit level on points with Austria in Group J and will need another strong performance against Austria in Kansas City on Saturday to secure progression.
Earlier in the group, Austria national football team suffered a 2-0 defeat to Argentina, leaving Argentina national football team top of the group on six points and in control of qualification.
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Jordan, meanwhile, will play their final group match against Argentina in Arlington, Texas, with nothing left to fight for beyond pride after their elimination was confirmed.
Algeria’s comeback win adds renewed tension to Group J, with qualification still open and the final round of matches set to decide which teams advance to the knockout stage.
