Algeria came from behind to beat World Cup debutants Jordan 2-1 in Santa Clara, California, on Monday, June 23, 2026, in a tense Group J encounter that briefly looked like it could go wrong for the North Africans.
Jordan drew first blood through striker Nizar al-Rashdan, stunning the Algerian side and giving the tournament newcomers a genuine foothold in the game.
Algeria, however, hit back quickly. Forward Amine Gouiri levelled to restore order and shift the pressure firmly back onto Jordan.
The decisive moment came eight minutes from time. Substitute Nadhir Benbouali fired in the winner in the 82nd minute, sending Algeria’s fans into relief and ending Jordan’s tournament in the process.
For Jordan, this World Cup — their first ever — ends at the group stage. Their final match is against group leaders Argentina in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, June 28, a game now stripped of competitive stakes for the Asian side.
Algeria, meanwhile, have everything to play for. They sit on three points, level with Austria, who lost 2-0 to Argentina earlier on Monday.
The two sides meet in Kansas City on Saturday in what is effectively a knockout match — only the winner advances to the last 16.
Argentina top Group J on six points and are already through.
