Algeria defeats Jordan 2-1 to stay alive for World Cup 2026 knockout stage

Algeria rallied from a 1‑0 deficit to overcome Jordan 2‑1 in a Group J match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing three points and keeping its hopes of reaching the round of 16 alive. Jordan took the lead in the 36th minute through Nizar Al‑Rashdan. Algeria equalised in the 69th minute when Nadir Benboul headed in from a corner, and Amin Guiri scored the winner in the 82nd minute after a VAR review. The Algerian side dominated possession (about 75%) and generated ten corners, and will face Austria in the final group match for the second qualifying spot.

In another Group I fixture, France beat Iraq 3‑0, while Kylian Mbappé marked his 100th World Cup appearance by scoring twice against Iraq, bringing his tally to 16 goals in World Cup finals – overtaking Ronaldo and tying with Miroslav Klose, behind only Lionel Messi.

These results illustrate the early drama and individual milestones shaping the tournament’s opening stage.