Algeria Produce Historic Comeback Victory To Eliminate Jordan From 2026 FIFA World Cup

Published 23 June 2026 · sports

Algeria Produce Historic Comeback Victory To Eliminate Jordan From 2026 FIFA World Cup Published By, Last Updated: June 23, 2026, 11:22 IST Algeria came from

Algeria Produce Historic Comeback Victory To Eliminate Jordan From 2026 FIFA World Cup Published By, Last Updated: June 23, 2026, 11:22 IST Algeria came from behind to beat Jordan 2-1, ending the debutants’ World Cup dream while keeping their own knockout hopes alive heading into a decisive clash with Austria. Rapid Read (Credit: AP) Algeria kept their FIFA World Cup 2026 hopes alive with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Jordan on Monday, while the tournament debutants saw their historic campaign come to a heartbreaking end. The North Africans overturned a first-half deficit in Santa Clara thanks to goals from substitute Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri, securing a vital three points in Group J. The result, coupled with Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria earlier in the day, officially eliminated Jordan from the competition. Algeria, meanwhile, remain firmly in the race for a place in the Round of 32.

Jordan Strike First Jordan looked determined to extend their World Cup journey and deservedly took the lead in the 36th minute. Nizar Al-Rashdan capped off a lively first-half performance with a low-driven finish after another quick transition caught the Algerian defence off guard. Jordan’s pace on the counter continued to trouble Algeria throughout the opening period, and they headed into the break with a deserved advantage. Set-Pieces Turn The Tide Algeria struggled to create clear openings from open play, but their quality from dead-ball situations ultimately proved decisive. Coach Vladimir Petkovic introduced striker Nadhir Benbouali from the bench, and the move paid off in the 69th minute. Riyad Mahrez delivered a dangerous corner and Benbouali rose highest to head home the equaliser. The goal was historic, making Benbouali only the second Algerian substitute to score at a World Cup, following Abdelmoumene Djabou’s strike against Germany in 2014.

Algeria completed the turnaround eight minutes from time. Another Mahrez corner caused chaos inside the Jordan penalty area, and Gouiri reacted quickest to turn the ball home from close range. A VAR check confirmed he had stayed just onside. History Made The victory carried extra significance for Algeria. It was their first-ever comeback win at a FIFA World Cup after entering the match with a winless record whenever conceding first at the tournament. Mahrez also etched his name into the history books, becoming the oldest Algerian player to register a goal contribution at a World Cup at 35 years and 121 days. What It Means Argentina sit top of Group J with six points and have already secured qualification. Austria and Algeria are level on three points heading into the final round of fixtures, setting up a winner-takes-all showdown in Kansas City. Jordan, meanwhile, will bow out of their first-ever World Cup appearance against Argentina in Arlington.