Algeria Fight Back to Defeat Jordan and Keep World Cup Qualification Hopes Alive
By Dr. Hana Saada
Algeria revived their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over Jordan, securing a crucial three points that keep the Greens firmly in contention for a place in the second round.
The encounter carried significant importance for both sides following disappointing results in their opening fixtures, with each entering the match seeking an immediate response to preserve qualification ambitions. Algeria ultimately demonstrated resilience and character, overturning a first-half deficit through an improved second-half display that rewarded their growing dominance.
Head coach Vladimir Petković introduced several changes to his starting lineup, notably restoring captain Riyad Mahrez to the starting eleven and handing Ramiz Zerrouki a key role in midfield, while maintaining confidence in goalkeeper Luca Zidane between the posts.
Jordan coach Jamal Sellami also reshuffled his side, relying offensively on the attacking duo of Mousa Al-Taamari and Ali Olwan in an effort to secure a positive result.
The opening stages produced a balanced contest, with both teams creating opportunities. Jordan threatened early through Nizar Al-Rashdan, whose header tested the Algerian defence, before Amine Gouiri responded at the other end with an effort that narrowly missed the target.
Despite enjoying greater possession and territorial control, Algeria struggled to convert their superiority into goals. Jordan goalkeeper Yazid Abu Layla proved particularly influential, denying Mahrez on multiple occasions as the Algerian captain found himself in promising scoring positions.
Jordan capitalised on a defensive lapse shortly before halftime. In the 36th minute, Al-Rashdan finished clinically after being set up by Al-Taamari, giving the Jordanians a valuable lead heading into the interval.
Recognising the need for greater attacking impetus, Petković reshaped his side at the start of the second half by introducing Nabil Bentaleb and Nadhir Ben Bouali. The changes transformed Algeria’s rhythm and intensity, allowing the North Africans to establish sustained pressure and greater control of proceedings.
A series of Algerian attacks followed, led by Ibrahim Maza and Gouiri, as Jordan increasingly found themselves pinned back in their own half. The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 69th minute when Ben Bouali rose highest to head home from a Mahrez corner, restoring parity and injecting renewed belief into the Algerian ranks.
With momentum firmly on their side, Algeria continued to push forward in search of a winner. Their persistence paid off seven minutes from time when Gouiri reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area, firing home the decisive goal in the 83rd minute.
The victory represents a significant boost for Algeria’s qualification aspirations, not only because of the three points secured but also due to the team’s demonstrated capacity to respond under pressure. After a difficult opening setback, the Greens delivered a convincing second-half performance marked by determination, tactical adjustments and attacking efficiency.
As the qualification campaign progresses, Algeria remain firmly in the race for advancement, with the comeback win over Jordan restoring momentum and renewing optimism ahead of the decisive fixtures that lie ahead.
— 𝐄𝐍𝐃 —
Dzair Tube Media Group | Record and Standing
Dzair Tube is a leading Algerian digital journalism platform, delivering high-quality content in Arabic, French, and English. With a daily readership exceeding 500,000, it has established itself among the country’s most influential media organizations.
Recognized for editorial excellence and integrity, Dzair Tube was awarded the President of the Republic’s Prize for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on 22 October 2022. The platform operates from state-of-the-art studios, producing diverse programming across news, sports, culture, entertainment, and religion.
Dzair Tube maintains a robust digital presence, with over 600,000 YouTube subscribers, six million followers across Facebook pages, and more than 70,000 Instagram followers. Its sports daily, Dzair Sport, enjoys over 50,000 daily downloads via its official website, cementing its leadership in multimedia journalism.
Further recognized with the Media Leadership Award by former Minister of Communication Mohamed Laâgab and celebrated at the Hilals of Television awards, Dzair Tube continues to set benchmarks in innovation, influence, and public engagement, serving as a key forum for civic discourse, critical analysis, and public affairs.
Official website: www.dzair-tube.dz | English: www.dzair-tube.dz/en
