World Cup 2026: Algeria complete stunning comeback to defeat Jordan 2-1

Algeria fought back from a goal down on Tuesday night to claim an important 2-1 victory over Jordan in a tense Group J clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Jordan Capitalise After Algeria Penalty Claims Rejected

On the matchday, Algeria believed they should have been awarded a penalty in the 35th minute when Rayan Aït-Nouri burst into the penalty area before going down under pressure from a defender. Despite strong appeals from the Algerian players, the referee dismissed the claims and allowed play to continue.

Jordan immediately took advantage of the situation. Just one minute later, Nizar Al-Rashdan struck a low effort from outside the penalty area which slipped into the middle of the net, handing Jordan a surprise 1-0 lead.

Benbouali Brings Algeria Back Into the Contest

Trailing at halftime, Algeria returned with greater intensity in the second half and eventually found their breakthrough in the 69th minute.

Nadir Benbouali climbed highest inside the penalty area to connect with a perfectly delivered corner from Riyad Mahrez, directing a powerful header beyond the goalkeeper to level the score at 1-1.

Gouiri Nets the Winner

Algeria continued to pile pressure on the Jordanian defence and nearly created another opportunity in the 80th minute when Anis Hadj Moussa saw his effort from the edge of the box blocked behind for a corner.

Their persistence paid off two minutes later as Amine Gouiri reacted quickest inside the box after the ball ricocheted kindly into his path, calmly finishing into an empty net to complete the turnaround and put Algeria 2-1 ahead.

VAR Drama Before Final Whistle

There was a tense moment late in the game when referee Slavko Vinčić halted play to review the winning goal for a possible offside offence during the build-up.

Following a VAR check, the official confirmed the original decision, allowing the goal to stand and sealing a vital victory for Algeria.

The result gives Algeria three crucial points ahead of their decisive final group match against Austria national football team.