Algeria's late surge ends a 12-year World Cup wait

Algeria came from behind to defeat World Cup debutants Jordan 2-1 at Levi's Stadium, sealing their first victory at the finals since 2014. Vladimir Petković's team looked frustrated for long spells, undone by a stubborn Jordanian rearguard, but found their breakthrough late through substitute Nadir Benbouali and a decisive Amine Gouiri strike, ending a 12-year drought and reviving their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds with a game to spare.

Captain Riyad Mahrez was central to the recovery despite an earlier miss, his corner headed home by Benbouali for the equaliser before Gouiri forced in the winner from another set-piece in the 82nd minute. It was a comeback forged through persistence rather than fluency — a reminder that tournament football so often rewards the side that keeps knocking.

Jordan's historic goal cannot prevent elimination

Jordan, in their maiden World Cup, frustrated Algeria for an hour, soaking up 74% of first-half possession without conceding and threatening on the counter-attack. Then they struck: Mousa Al-Tamari's cutback was swept home first time by Nizar Al-Rashdan in the 36th minute, only the second World Cup goal in the nation's history and one to send their supporters into raptures. Goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila resisted with a string of saves, but Algeria's growing pressure eventually told through Benbouali's header and Gouiri's scrambled winner. Jordan depart without a point, yet with a goal and a level of competitiveness that will endure long in their memory.

Second place in Group J comes down to one match

The result leaves Algeria level with Austria on three points, the two set to meet on the final matchday in a winner-takes-second showdown behind the already-qualified Argentina. A draw would suit Austria on goal difference, lending Algeria's clash a distinctly knockout edge. Buoyed by this comeback and the belief it brings, Algeria will travel knowing their fate is firmly in their own hands.

A proud debut ends for Jordan

Jordan's first World Cup closes without a win, but the campaign carried genuine substance — organised defending, real fight and a historic goal against Algeria that will be replayed for years to come. For a debutant nation, it is the kind of experience that builds rather than breaks, offering lessons and belief in equal measure. Their supporters will look back on this tournament as a beginning rather than an end. Our forecast of under 2.5 goals just missed as the game finished with three.