Jordan 1-2 Algeria: Gouiri's Late Heroics Keep Algeria Alive, End Jordan's World Cup Dream

Algeria kept their FIFA World Cup hopes alive with a dramatic second-half comeback victory over Jordan, winning 2-1 to revive their chances of reaching the knockout stage while ending the tournament debutants' dream of progression.

Second-half goals from Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri completed an impressive turnaround for the North Africans after Jordan had threatened to produce one of the biggest results in their football history.

The victory gives Algeria their first win of the 2026 World Cup and moves them level on three points with Austria in Group J ahead of a decisive final-round showdown between the two sides.

For Jordan, however, the defeat confirmed elimination from the tournament after a second consecutive loss.

The result also ensured defending champions Argentina finished as Group J winners with a game to spare following their victory over Austria earlier in the day.

Despite their eventual exit, Jordan once again showed why they had earned admiration during their maiden World Cup appearance.

The Asian side started brightly and almost stunned Algeria within the opening minute when Nizar Al Rashdan headed narrowly wide from a dangerous free-kick delivery.

Algeria struggled to find any attacking rhythm in a frustrating first half as Jordan remained disciplined, organised and full of confidence.

The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 36th minute and it was thoroughly deserved.

Al Rashdan produced a moment of quality, meeting a loose ball with a first-time outside-of-the-boot strike that beat goalkeeper Luca Zidane and nestled into the net.

The goal sparked wild celebrations among Jordan's supporters and gave the debutants their first-ever World Cup lead.

It was also a reward for a fearless display against an Algerian side that appeared short of ideas for much of the opening period.

Algeria's best chance before the interval had fallen to captain Riyad Mahrez, who raced onto a ball over the top but saw his effort well saved by the Jordan goalkeeper.

Recognising the need for change, Algeria made adjustments at halftime and those decisions ultimately transformed the contest.

The introduction of striker Nadhir Benbouali provided a greater attacking presence and the pressure gradually began to build against a Jordan side whose energy levels started to fade.

The equaliser finally arrived in the 69th minute.

Mahrez delivered a dangerous corner into the penalty area and Benbouali rose highest to power a header into the net, scoring Algeria's first goal of the tournament and restoring belief among Vladimir Petkovic's side.

With momentum now firmly on their side, Algeria pushed relentlessly for a winner.

Jordan defended bravely but found themselves under increasing pressure from a succession of set-piece deliveries.

The decisive moment came in the 82nd minute.

Another corner caused problems inside the Jordan penalty area and after a knockdown created confusion among defenders, Gouiri reacted quickest to prod the ball home from close range.

The goal was briefly reviewed by VAR for a possible offside infringement, but after a tense wait it was allowed to stand.

Algeria had completed the comeback.

The closing stages brought nervous moments, but the two-time African champions held firm to secure a priceless victory that could yet define their World Cup campaign.

For Jordan, the result was a cruel ending to what had been another courageous performance.

Much like their opening defeat against Austria, they competed strongly for long periods before ultimately being undone by a lack of depth and concentration in key moments.

Nevertheless, the debutants leave this match with considerable credit after proving capable of competing on the world's biggest football stage.

Attention now turns to the final group matches.

Algeria will face Austria in Kansas knowing a positive result could be enough to secure a place in the last 32.

Jordan, meanwhile, will conclude their historic first World Cup campaign against defending champions Argentina in Dallas.

Although their World Cup journey will end after the group stage, Jordan have earned respect throughout the tournament, while Algeria remain very much alive in the race for the knockout rounds.