2026 World Cup: Algeria overthrow Jordan and restart their race for qualification
By OnzeActu · · 2 min read
Beaten when they entered the competition, Algeria offered themselves a capital victory against Jordan (2-1) thanks to two goals from set pieces, thus preserving their hopes of qualifying for the knockout phase. For its part, Jordan is eliminated from the tournament.
In a crucial meeting of Group J of the 2026 World Cup, Algeria was able to reverse the trend against Jordan (2-1) despite the Jordanian opening score, a success which allows the Fennecs to continue to believe in qualification for the round of 16.
Tactics and suspense From the start, the confrontation was marked by a clash of very distinct styles. Algeria, organized in 3-4-3, sought to impose possession and accelerate the pace, while Jordan opted for a wait-and-see 4-2-3-1, favoring rapid transitions after recovering the ball. For a long time, the Algerians, carried by their playmaker Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen), stumbled against the opposing block. Farès Chaïbi on the left and Riyad Mahrez on the right waited until the second half to express their influence.
Historic Jordanian advantage The curtain rose on a historic turning point in the 36th minute: taking advantage of a restart error by Ramiz Zerrouki, the Jordanians opened the scoring thanks to Nizar Al Rashdan, well served by Mousa Tamari. This is the first time that Jordan led in a World Cup match, an achievement tarnished by the context: Jordan, under pressure, did not go the distance.
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Algerian reaction and winning coaching After returning from the locker room, coach Vladimir Petkovic made two offensive changes and adapted his formation to increase the options in the corridors. The impact was immediate: Algeria dominated and equalized in the 69th minute through Nadir Benbouali, an opportunist from a corner after a missed exit from Jordanian goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila.
Jordan, overwhelmed, never knew how to stop the opposing dynamic. His coach Jamal Sellami was slow to make his changes, letting his team endure the tempo imposed by Algeria, which ended up winning.
Zidane, still in turmoil Although victorious, Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane remains in the criticism zone, guilty of too soft a hand on the Jordanian goal. Already under pressure after the match against Argentina, he was not completely reassured, raising doubts about his ability to be present in major events.
Challenges for the future With this success, Algeria will play its qualification against Austria on the last day. Jordan, already eliminated, will face Argentina to conclude its first world campaign without a victory.