Algeria rally late to knock Jordan out of World Cup 2026

Goals from Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri steer Algeria to a dramatic second-half comeback in Group J.Algeria have stormed back to beat Jordan 2-1 and eliminate the World Cup debutants with a match to spare thanks to second-half goals ⁠from substitute Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri.Benbouali’s header on Monday cancelled out Nizar Al-Rashdan’s first-half opener, and Gouiri poked home in a goalmouth scramble eight minutes from time to revive Algeria’s campaign after their opening 3-0 loss ⁠to Argentina.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3World Cup knockouts: Who has made it to the round of 32 stage?list 2 of 3Last one, the best one? How Lionel Messi keeps doing it at the World Cuplist 3 of 3‘Living the dream’: Iraqis proud of team despite World Cup loss to Franceend of listThe victory put Algeria level with Austria on three points in Group J while ensuring defending champions Argentina will go through to the round of 32 as group winners after their 2-0 win over the Austrians earlier on Monday.Algeria fans celebrate in the stands after Amine Gouiri scores their second goal [David Gonzales/Imagn Images via Reuters]Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic put veteran attacker Riyad Mahrez in his starting 11 after benching him against ‌Argentina, and he proved influential in breaking down a Jordan team that defended in numbers and was quick on the counterattack.Mahrez blew an early chance when he ran on to a sublime lofted pass from Hicham Boudaoui but lost the ball under his feet. He then latched on to another long ball from Boudaoui to be one-on-one with Yazeed Abu Laila, but the Jordan goalkeeper got a hand to his chipped shot.Jordan, who lost their opener 3-1 to Austria, went ahead in the 36th minute ⁠after clever link-up play and a touch of fortune when Algeria midfielder Ramiz ⁠Zerrouki turned the ball over in defence.Mousa Al-Tamari’s shot went sideways to Al-Rashdan, who drilled home into the bottom right corner.Jordan’s Nizar Al-Rashdan celebrates scoring the opening goal of the match against Algeria [Carlos Barria/Reuters]Petkovic brought on Nabil Bentaleb and Benbouali at the break, and Algeria lifted their intensity.