Algeria vs Jordan, FIFA World Cup result: Algeria hit twice from corners to stun Jordan 2-1 and keep knockout dreams alive

Algeria’s Amine Gouiri, front, celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal against Jordan. (AP photo) Algeria kept their hopes of a 2026 World Cup exit firmly alive with a spirited 2-1 comeback victory over Jordan in a key Group J encounter on Monday night, overcoming an early deficit with two second-half set pieces.The victory secured at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium marked Algeria’s first World Cup win since 2014 and also ended Jordan’s debut campaign after two consecutive defeats.

Jordan struck first but Algeria responded late

Both sides entered the match under pressure after losses in the opening game, but it was Jordan who struck first against the run of play. In the 36th minute, Mous Al Tamari’s effort fell into the box, allowing Nizar Al Rashdan to finish confidently with the outside of his right foot to register Jordan’s first World Cup goal lead.However, Algeria got into the game after the break and began to dominate possession and territory. Their persistence finally paid off in the 69th minute when substitute Nadhir Benbouali rose to head home a Riyad Mahrez corner to level the scores.The equalizer shifted the momentum firmly in Algeria’s favor as wave after wave of attacks followed, with Jordan struggling to keep up the pressure.

Gouiri completes the turnaround as relegation hopes remain alive

Algeria completed their turnaround in the 82nd minute, again capitalizing on a set piece. Amine Gouiri was quickest to react inside the box as the ball dropped at the next corner and he headed home from close range from close range to seal a decisive 2-1 lead.The goal sparked celebrations among the Algerian supporters behind the goal, with the North African side holding firm in the closing stages to secure a vital three points.The win is historic and marks Algeria’s first World Cup win after conceding the opening goal in a match without winning any of their nine such encounters (seven defeats and two draws).The result also keeps Algeria in contention for 32nd place. After an opening 3-0 defeat to Argentina, they are now on three points in Group J and can still finish second with a win over Austria in their final group game.For Jordan, the defeat confirmed elimination from his first appearance at the World Cup, despite a spirited effort in both matches.Argentina lead the group with six points from two wins, while Austria are second on three points with a higher goal difference ahead of Algeria, setting up a thrilling Group J final round.