Algeria defeats Jordan 2-1, keeps World Cup hopes alive

Algeria rallied from a 1-0 deficit to beat debutants Jordan 2-1 in Group J of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Bay Area Stadium in San Francisco. Nadhir Benbouali headed equaliser from a Riyad Mahrez corner in the 69th minute, and Amine Gouiri added the winner in the 82nd minute, securing Algeria’s second‑group‑stage win and preserving its knockout‑stage prospects.

After the loss, Jordan’s players left a spotless dressing‑room, a handwritten thank‑you note and traditional sweets for stadium and FIFA staff, a gesture that drew praise on social media for its sportsmanship and humility. Coach Jamal Sellami expressed pride in his squad’s debut performance despite the elimination.

The result eliminated Jordan from the tournament, confirming their bottom‑place finish in the group, while Algeria remains in contention for a knockout berth.