Jordan 1 – 2 Algeria

Debutants Jordan were knocked out of the World Cup after Algeria’s 2-1 second-half win kept their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages alive.

Nadir Benbouli and Amin Gouri both scored from corners for California to give the African side their first win at the 2026 tournament.

The comeback win ensured Argentina’s place as Group J winners, with the holders meeting Group H runners-up, currently Uruguay, in the round of 32 on July 3.

But after the second defeat in a row, Jordan will not be able to reach the knockout stage.

The Asian side took the lead in the 36th minute through Nijar Al Rashdan, whose first-time effort with the outside of the boot found Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane – Zinedine’s son – hoping for their first World Cup point.

Algeria failed to trouble Jordan in the first half, leading to a half-time change, and in between had the desired effect as Benbouli headed in Riyad Mahrez’s corner in the 69th minute.

Algeria then tired Jordan and pushed for a win, and it finally came with another corner in the 82nd minute when Ghouiri headed home from a knockdown, the goal surviving a VAR check for offside.

The two-time AFCON champions held on to win to move level on points with Austria, who they play in their final Group J game in Kansas on Sunday (3pm UK time) with both sides needing only a draw to reach the knockout stages.

Jordan, meanwhile, will be looking to end their first ever World Cup campaign in style as they face three-time winners Argentina in Dallas on Sunday at 3am UK time.

Important moments of Santa Clara…

• 1: First chance for Jordan! After only 50 seconds, Al Rashdan headed from a free-kick!
• 33: Mahrez luck! The Algerian captain was sent over the top but the Jordan goalkeeper parried his incisive effort.
• 36: Goal for Jordan! Al Rashdan’s first-ever finish off the boot gave the Asian side their first ever World Cup lead.
• 69: Algeria equality! Benbouli headed in Mahrez’s corner to equalize with their first goal of the 2026 tournament.
• 82: Algeria led! Gowri finished from close range in a corner and his winner survived a VAR check for offside.

Analysis: Jordan enjoys an honorable exit

Jordan may have been knocked out of the World Cup, but they leave with their heads held high.

The debutants proved once again that they can mix it up at this level as they deservedly took the lead in the first half.

Algeria looked toothless against an organized Jordan side who were full of belief and confidence.

But just like in their opening Group J loss to Austria, the Asian side ran out of gas – and Algeria took full advantage with their bench proving the difference.

Half-time substitute Benbouali scored the leveller, while substitute Anis Musa, who replaced Mahrez in the 76th minute, delivered the corner that Ghouiri scored.

With both goals coming from corners, Jordan will need to tighten up their set-piece defense if they are to go out on a memorable note against holders Argentina in their final group match.

Algeria, meanwhile, got some much-needed momentum into their decisive Group J clash against Austria, with Ghouiri’s goal – Algeria’s last winner at a World Cup – showing they have the fighting spirit and determination to reach the round of 32.

What does the result mean?

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