Algeria kept their World Cup knockout hopes alive on Monday, coming from behind to defeat Jordan 2-1 at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco, pushing the Asian debutants to the brink of elimination.
Both nations entered this Matchday 2 clash under massive pressure after opening-round defeats—Jordan falling 3-1 to Austria and Algeria suffering a 3-0 loss to Argentina. Jordan stunned the Fennecs by taking a disciplined first-half lead when Nizar Al-Rashdan blasted home from a Musa Al-Taamari assist in the 36th minute.
Algeria manager Vladimir Petković turned the game completely around with his second-half substitutions. Halftime substitute Nadhir Benbouali made an instant impact in the 69th minute, heading home a pinpoint cross from Riyad Mahrez to level the score. Amine Gouiri capped off the comeback in the 82nd minute, collecting a loose ball inside the penalty area to slot it past goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila.
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Algeria thoroughly dominated possession with 75 percent and registered 17 shots, eight on target, while Jordan managed eight shots, four on target. Algerian passing accuracy stood at 91 percent compared to Jordan’s 73 percent. Algeria also dominated corners 10 to one.
The win snapped a long-standing dry spell for Algeria, securing only their second World Cup finals victory since 1982. The match marked the first-ever competitive meeting between Jordan and Algeria on the global stage.
According to a report by Accra Street Journal, the result leaves Algeria on three points in Group J, still in contention for a knockout spot. Jordan remain on zero points and face elimination, needing a miracle against Austria on the final matchday to keep their hopes alive.
Before Kick-off
Pre-Match Report & News
The Stakes
Jordan Team News
Algeria Team News
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- The Keeper’s Chance: Goalkeeper Luca Zidane—son of French legend Zinedine Zidane—is tipped to maintain his spot in goal despite recording two costly errors in the opening defeat.
- Attacking Reinforcements: Veteran winger and captain Riyad Mahrez is heavily projected to return to the starting XI to provide veteran creativity alongside Amine Gouiri.
Projected Starting Lineups
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- Goalkeeper: Yazeed Abulaila
- Defenders: Mohammad Abualnadi, Yazan Al-Arab, Abdallah Nasib
- Midfielders: Ehsan Haddad, Nizar Al-Rashdan, Noor Al-Rawabdeh, Mohannad Abu Taha
- Attacking Midfielders: Odeh Fakhoury, Ali Olwan
- Striker: Mousa Al-Tamari
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- Goalkeeper: Luca Zidane
- Defenders: Rafik Belghali, Aïssa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaini, Rayan Aït-Nouri
- Midfielders: Nabil Bentaleb, Hicham Boudaoui, Ramiz Zerrouki (or Ibrahim Maza)
- Forwards: Riyad Mahrez, Amine Gouiri, Farès Chaïbi
Fast Match Facts & Analytical Records
- Head-to-Head Record: Matches between these two sides are rare historical events; their most recent senior encounter ended in a tightly contested 1-1 friendly draw.
- Statistical Win Probabilities: Analytical predictive algorithms heavily favor the African heavyweights, giving Algeria a 61.4% win probability compared to a slim 15.9% chance for a Jordanian upset.
- Contrast in Experience: Jordan is soaking in their first-ever tournament experience in front of a heavy traveling crowd. Algeria is looking to draw on their deeper historical pedigree to bounce back.
- How to Watch: Fans inside the United States can view the match live on FS1 (English) and Telemundo (Spanish), while UK audiences can catch the live broadcast on ITV 1
Source: Accra Street Journal
Last Updated on June 23, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
