Algeria stages dramatic comeback to defeat Jordan 2-1 in World Cup Group J

After a tense opening, Algeria overturned a 1-0 deficit to beat Jordan 2-1, securing group victory with a match to spare.

Published On 23 Jun 202623 Jun 2026

Algeria rallied from behind to defeat Jordan 2–1 in Group J, eliminating the debutants with a match to spare. Substitute Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri fired the hosts back into the match in the second half, sparking a dramatic turnaround.

Benbouali’s header equalised when Algeria were trailing 1–0 at the 30‑minute mark. Eight minutes later, a scramble in the penalty area saw Gouiri slot the ball past Jordan’s keeper, restoring Algeria’s championship aspirations after their 3–0 opening loss to Argentina.

Algeria took a 2–2 lead in the 77th minute with a long‑shooted goal that ricocheted off Jordan’s goalkeeper. A minute later, Gouiri added a third with a tidy finish, sealing the comeback.

Against a backdrop of fierce competition, Algeria’s tactical changes proved decisive. Coach Vladimir Petkovic’s decision to start veteran Riyad Mahrez paid dividends in the tight defensive play of Jordan.

Mahrez, who previously sat on the bench in the Argentina match, had several near‑misses at the start of the contest. A brilliant long‑range pass from Hicham Boudaoui was nearly converted by Mahrez but fell short.

Jordan entered the match ahead after capitalising on a defensive error from Algeria in the 36th minute. A short mispass by Ramiz Zerrouki allowed Nizar Al‑Rashdan to convert a slick side‑arm shot into a goal.

At half‑time, Petkovic introduced Nabil Bentaleb and Benbouali, ramping up the team’s intensity. Benbouali’s exceptional header in the 69th minute off a Mahrez corner punctuated the rally.

Later, a set‑piece gifted Algeria a clear advantage. A finesse corner by Anis Hadj Moussa, deflected by Al‑Rashdan, enabled Gouiri to secure the winning goal.

With this victory, Algeria positions itself for a direct clash with Austria in Kansas City on Saturday, a rematch of the controversial 1982 “Disgrace of Gijón.” The historical tension from the earlier encounter adds an extra layer of significance to the upcoming encounter.

Jordan, meanwhile, will face Argentina and Lionel Messi as the tournament progresses. Messi has already scored five goals, underscoring the challenge ahead for the Wolf Pack.

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