Algeria secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Jordan on Tuesday in Group J of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, keeping their qualification hopes alive after an entertaining Arab clash in San Francisco.

Both teams entered the match looking to recover from opening-round defeats, and chances came at both ends, with Riyad Mahrez missing several opportunities for Algeria.

Jordan took the lead in the 36th minute through Nizar Al-Rashdan, whose low strike beat goalkeeper Luka Zidane.

Algeria increased the pressure after the break and found an equalizer in the 68th minute when substitute Nadhir Ben Bouali headed home from a corner kick.

The North Africans continued to threaten from set pieces and completed the comeback in the 82nd minute as Amine Gouiri scored from another corner. The goal was confirmed following a VAR review.

The victory moved Algeria to three points, placing them third in the group on goal difference behind Austria, while reigning champions Argentina lead with six points. Jordan remain bottom after suffering a second consecutive defeat.