San Francisco, 23 June (H.S.):

Algeria staged a spirited comeback to defeat Jordan 2-1 in a Group J fixture of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday, keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive, while Jordan's campaign came to an end.

Algeria dominated possession from the outset and launched a series of attacking moves, but Jordan's disciplined defence denied them a breakthrough for much of the match. Against the run of play, Jordan capitalised on their opportunity to take the lead in the 36th minute. Following a defensive lapse by Algeria, Nizar Al-Rashdan finished off a swift counterattack with a precise low strike into the bottom corner.

Trailing 1-0 at halftime, Algeria increased the pressure after the break and found the equaliser in the 69th minute. Substitute Nadhir Benbouali rose highest to head home Riyad Mahrez's corner, making it 1-1.

Algeria continued to press relentlessly and found the decisive goal in the 82nd minute from another corner. Amid a goalmouth scramble inside the penalty area, Amine Gouiri reacted quickest to slot the ball home from close range, giving Algeria a 2-1 lead.

Jordan pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Algeria held firm to secure a vital victory. The defeat ended Jordan's maiden FIFA World Cup campaign, while Algeria remained firmly in contention for a place in the knockout stage and strengthened their position in the group standings.

The victory also marked the first time in FIFA World Cup history that Algeria had come from behind to win a match. Prior to this, the North African side had never won a World Cup fixture after conceding the opening goal.

Algeria also maintained their perfect FIFA World Cup record against Asian opponents, having now won both such encounters.

Nadhir Benbouali became only the second Algerian substitute to score a goal in FIFA World Cup history, while Riyad Mahrez became Algeria's oldest player to register a goal contribution at the tournament.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar