Algeria stage comeback to defeat Jordan 2–1, end debutants’ World Cup hopes

Algeria produced a spirited second-half comeback on Monday to defeat Jordan 2–1 in a Group J World Cup encounter in Santa Clara, a result that confirmed the Asian debutants’ elimination from the tournament.

Jordan struck first through Nizar al-Rashdan, but Algeria responded through Amine Gouiri, who restored parity before Nadhir Benbouali netted the decisive winner in the 82nd minute to complete the turnaround.

The result keeps Algeria’s qualification hopes alive, with the North Africans now needing a victory against Austria in Kansas City on Saturday to stand a chance of progressing to the knockout stage.

Earlier in the group, Austria fell 2–0 to Argentina, a result that sent the South Americans top of Group J with six points. Austria and Algeria now sit level on three points each, setting up a tense final round of fixtures.

Jordan, meanwhile, will face Argentina in Arlington, Texas, in what will be their final appearance in the competition.