2026 World Cup/Algeria rise from the ashes to keep World Cup dream alive
Algeria breathed new life into their World Cup campaign Monday, roaring back from a halftime deficit to beat Jordan 2-1 in Santa Clara and reignite their qualification hopes.
After a humbling 3-0 opening loss to Argentina, the Fennec Foxes looked destined for another frustrating night. Jordan, disciplined and daring, stunned them in the 36th minute when Nizar Al-Rashdan fired home a spectacular low drive.
Algeria dominated possession but lacked incision, with the flashes of brilliance of Riyah Mahrez failing to break down the Asian side’s rigid defence.
But experience told in the end. Coach Djamel Belmadi turned to his bench, and substitute Nadir Benbouali proved the game-changer, glancing home Mahrez’s corner in the 69th minute to restore parity.
The equaliser unlocked the belief of Algeria, and they pressed relentlessly. With eight minutes remaining, another corner this time converted by Amine Gouiri from close range, just staying onside completed the turnaround.
Set-pieces, the recurring weakness of Jordan, became the weapon of choice of Algeria. The victory, crafted through superior individual quality and tactical patience, keeps Algeria level on points with Austria in Group J.
Argentina are guaranteed top spot, but the Fennec Foxes now control their destiny heading into the final matchday.
For a team that looked lost against the men of Messi, this comeback signals a resurgence and a warning to their remaining rivals.
