Benbouali and Gouiri Goals Seal Comeback Win for Algeria

Algeria came from behind to defeat Jordan 2-1 at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, keeping alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ while ending Jordan’s debut campaign after two matches.

Both sides entered the contest desperate for points after opening defeats, and it was Jordan who struck first. In the 36th minute, Mousa Al Tamari sliced a cross into the penalty area, where Nizar Al Rashdan connected cleanly with the outside of his right boot to fire past the Algerian goalkeeper and give Jamal Sellami’s side the lead.

Algeria responded after the break, pinning Jordan back for long spells. Their persistence paid off in the 69th minute when Nadhir Benbouali rose highest to head home from a corner.

The turnaround was completed in the 82nd minute as Amine Gouiri tucked in from close range after another set-piece scramble.

‘It was a very hard game. They were leading 1-0 but we had the upper hand the whole game, that was my feeling. At half time we spoke that now we have to do even more, but we have to be patient still as we had the ball nearly the whole time.

‘Then we scored two nice goals and won the game. We are very happy. I think these three points will help us in the next game, will motivate us a lot. We have confidence now to go to the next game,’ said Algeria forward Ibrahim Maza, who was named Player of the Match.

The result leaves Algeria level on three points with Austria in Group J, behind leaders Argentina, while Jordan remain bottom with no points. Algeria’s defensive record remains a concern, with the team having kept only one clean sheet in 15 World Cup matches, a 0-0 draw against England in 2010.

Algeria now face a decisive final group-stage fixture, knowing victory could secure progression to the Round of 32.