Algeria earn turnaround win to knock out World Cup debutants Jordan

Algeria’s World Cup debutants Jordan will pack their bags early after a second-half surge from the African champions sealed a 2-1 turnaround in Santa Clara. The victory, built on two corners in the final 20 minutes, kept Algeria’s qualification hopes alive while confirming Argentina’s progress as Group J winners. Jordan’s first World Cup campaign ends with two defeats and an exit before their final game.

How Algeria turned the game on its head

The opening exchanges belonged entirely to Jordan. Within 50 seconds, Nizar Al Rashdan‘s free-kick header tested Luca Zidane—son of Zinedine—at his near post, the first of several early chances that left Algeria struggling to impose themselves. By the 36th minute, Jordan led: Al Rashdan’s first-time strike outside the left boot beat Zidane at his near post, giving the Asian side a foothold they would not surrender in the first half.

Algeria’s response arrived straight after the break. Riyad Mahrez‘s corner was met by Nadhir Benbouali, who rose above the defence to head home in the 69th minute. The goal shifted momentum, and Algeria piled forward. Eight minutes later, Amine Gouiri‘s close-range finish from a knockdown—subjected to a tight VAR review for offside—completed the comeback. Jordan, visibly tired, could not find an answer.

What this means for Algeria, Jordan, and Argentina

Algeria now sit level on points with Austria ahead of their final match in Kansas City, where a draw could be enough to reach the knockout stages. Their victory preserved a path to the round of 32, while Jordan’s elimination was confirmed with a game still to play. The debutants will finish their campaign against Argentina in Dallas on Sunday at 3am UK time, knowing their historic run ends without a point.

Argentina, meanwhile, secured top spot in Group J with this result, setting up a clash with Group H runners-up Uruguay in the next phase. The holders’ route to the last 16 remains clear, while Algeria must navigate a must-win scenario against Austria to keep their own hopes alive.

Tactical takeaways from Santa Clara

Jordan’s early intensity faded as Algeria regrouped, exposing fatigue in the second half. Their set-piece threat, so effective in the first half, evaporated after the break, while Algeria’s directness from corners proved decisive. The introduction of Mahrez, whose corner led to the first goal, underlined the difference in impact between halves. Jordan’s pressing rhythm, sharp in the opening exchanges, struggled to recover after conceding, leaving them vulnerable to Algeria’s late surge.

Algeria’s win was built on pragmatism rather than flair. Two goals from set-pieces, timed perfectly in the final stages, turned a game they had largely ceded in the first half. For Jordan, the tournament ends with lessons learned but no tangible reward—just the memory of a campaign that promised more than it delivered.