Football Jul 02, 2026

World Cup 2026: Jordan 1-2 Algeria - Debutants knocked out of tournament after Algerian turnaround

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
World Cup 2026: Jordan 1-2 Algeria - Debutants knocked out of tournament after Algerian turnaround

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

Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri both scored from corners in California to earn the African side their first victory of the 2026 tournament.

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

But Jordan will not be in the knockout stages after a second consecutive defeat saw them eliminated with a game to spare.

The Asian side took a 36th-minute lead through Nizar Al Rashdan, whose first-time outside-of-the-boot effort beat Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane - son of Zinedine - to give them hope of a first World Cup point.

Algeria failed to trouble Jordan in the first half, leading to half-time changes, and one of those had the desired impact as Benbouali headed in from Riyad Mahrez's corner in the 69th minute.

Algeria then pushed for a winner with Jordan tiring, and it eventually came in the 82nd minute through another corner as Gouiri prodded home from a knockdown, with the goal surviving a VAR check for offside.

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

Jordan, meanwhile, will look 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.

Jordan might be out of the World Cup, but they depart with their heads held high.

The debutants once again proved they can mix it at this level as they deservedly took a first-half lead.

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

But much like their opening Group J defeat 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 Moussa, who replaced Mahrez in the 76th minute, provided the corner which led to Gouiri's winner.

With both goals coming from corners, Jordan need to tighten up their set-piece defence if they are to go out memorably in their final group game against holders Argentina.

Algeria, meanwhile, have some much-needed momentum heading into their decisive Group J clash against Austria, with Gouiri's goal - the latest winner for Algeria at a World Cup - showing they have the fighting spirit and determination to reach the round of 32.

Tags:

football report

Share this article

Related Posts

Mexico vs England: Pubs allowed to stay  open until 5am for Three Lions' World Cup last-16 tie

Mexico vs England: Pubs allowed to stay open until 5am for Three Lions' World Cup last-16 tie

England are through to the last-16 of the 2026 World Cup - but their clash against Mexico will not kick-off until 1am UK time.Pubs and bars will be ab...

Hearts: Scottish Premiership 2026/27 fixtures and schedule

Hearts: Scottish Premiership 2026/27 fixtures and schedule

Hearts will kick off their 2026/27 Scottish Premiership season at Aberdeen on August 1, live on Your Site.The Saturday evening clash at Pittodrie, sch...

World Cup 2026: Uzbekistan 1-3 Colombia - Luis Diaz steals the show with goal and assist

World Cup 2026: Uzbekistan 1-3 Colombia - Luis Diaz steals the show with goal and assist

In a World Cup where superstars have stepped up, Luis Diaz joined the party by registering a goal and an assist in Colombia’s 3-1 win over Uzbekistan....

Women's World Cup play-off draw: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland learn opponents

Women's World Cup play-off draw: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland learn opponents

England will face Greece in the first round of the World Cup qualification play-offs as Sarina Wiegman's side look to book their place at the 2027 Wor...

World Cup 2026: USA's Folarin Balogun stars against Paraguay after rise at Arsenal and switch away from England

World Cup 2026: USA's Folarin Balogun stars against Paraguay after rise at Arsenal and switch away from England

Born in the USA and born for the big stage.Folarin Balogun was America's star on the opening night of their home World Cup, scoring twice in their thr...

Ibrahima Konate joins Real Madrid: Jose Mourinho completes third signing as LaLiga club confirm deal for defender

Ibrahima Konate joins Real Madrid: Jose Mourinho completes third signing as LaLiga club confirm deal for defender

Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of defender Ibrahima Konate.The LaLiga side have agreed a four-year deal with the defender, who will join the c...