World Cup 2026: Jordan 1-2 Algeria - Debutants knocked out of tournament after Algerian comeback performace.
Mahrez Magic Sparks Algeria Comeback! Desert Warriors Fight Back to Keep World Cup Dream Alive
Riyad Mahrez inspired a stunning turnaround as Algeria came from behind to defeat Jordan 2-1 and move closer to the World Cup knockout stage.
After a painful opening defeat to Lionel Messi’s Argentina, Algeria found themselves in trouble again when Jordan shocked them with the opening goal. Nizar Al Rashdan fired Jordan ahead in the 36th minute despite Algeria controlling possession.
But the second half belonged to Algeria. The pressure finally paid off when Mahrez delivered a perfect corner in the 69th minute, allowing substitute Nadhir Benbouali to rise and head home the equaliser.
Algeria completed the comeback in the 82nd minute when Amine Gouiri reacted quickest inside the box to score the winner after another Jordan defensive mistake from a set piece. VAR checked the goal, but it stood.
Jordan pushed desperately for a late miracle, but Algeria held firm to secure a historic comeback victory — their first ever after conceding the opening goal in a World Cup match.
From frustration to celebration. Mahrez turned the game around, and Algeria’s World Cup dream is alive again.
Algeria beat Joran 2-1, final Score, match stats, facts, records
Date: Monday, June 22, 2026
Nadhir Benbouali is the second player to score for Algeria as a substitute in a FIFA World Cup after Abdelmoumene Djabou against Germany in 2014. He became the first player to score while representing a club team in Hungary since Lajos Détári did so in 1986 for Hungary against Canada.
The 82nd-minute game-winning goal by Amine Gouiri is Algeria’s latest in regulation in their World Cup history.
Jordan are the first team to score in each of their first two FIFA World Cup matches since Cote d’Ivoire did so in 2006 (first three).
Stats via opta
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