Algeria Beat Jordan 2-1 to Keep World Cup 2026 Last-16 Hopes Alive

Algeria are still in this World Cup. As of June 23, 2026, the Fennec Foxes beat Jordan 2-1 in Group J at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, clawing their way back into the knockout-round conversation after a brutal opening-day loss <a href="/matches/jordan-vs-algeria/" rel="cite noopener" target="_blank" class="mt-citation" title="Match centre vs Jordan — official record" data-access-date="2026-06-23T08:40:48.942Z">Match centre vs Jordan — official record</a>.

The math is simple now (as of June 23, 2026). One game left. Everything on the line.

What Happened Against Jordan

Algeria entered this match with zero points and zero margin (as of June 23, 2026). Argentina had dismantled them 0-3 in the Group J opener at Arrowhead Stadium. A second loss — or even a draw — and Algeria's tournament was effectively over.

They got the job done. The final score: Algeria 2, Jordan 1 <a href="/matches/jordan-vs-algeria/" rel="cite noopener" target="_blank" class="mt-citation" title="Match centre vs Jordan — official record" data-access-date="2026-06-23T08:40:48.942Z">Match centre vs Jordan — official record</a>.

It was not comfortable. Jordan took the lead, and Algeria had to come from behind to secure three points. But three points is three points. Algeria now have one win and one loss in Group J, setting up a decisive final matchday <a href="/matches/jordan-vs-algeria/" rel="cite noopener" target="_blank" class="mt-citation" title="Match centre vs Jordan — official record" data-access-date="2026-06-23T08:40:48.942Z">Match centre vs Jordan — official record</a>.

The Group J Picture

Here is where things stand after two rounds of matches:

• Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 on matchday one. They face Jordan on June 27 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
• Austria played Jordan on matchday one at Levi's Stadium. They face Argentina on June 22 at AT&T Stadium.
• Algeria lost 0-3 to Argentina, then beat Jordan 2-1. They face Austria on June 27 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
• Jordan lost to Algeria 1-2. They face Argentina on June 27.

The final Group J fixtures on June 27:

• Algeria vs. Austria — Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
• Jordan vs. Argentina — AT&T Stadium, Arlington

Both matches kick off simultaneously. Algeria almost certainly need a win against Austria to advance. A draw might not be enough depending on goal difference. The 0-3 deficit from the Argentina match weighs heavily.

How Algeria Got Here

The pre-tournament form was strong. Algeria arrived in the United States on the back of an impressive run: 15 wins, 8 draws, and just 2 losses across their last 25 matches, scoring 47 goals and conceding only 14 (as of June 23, 2026).

The highlights:

• A 1-0 away win over the Netherlands in June
• A 7-0 demolition of Guatemala at home in March
• A 0-0 draw against Uruguay at home in March (as of June 23, 2026)
• A 4-0 win over Bolivia away in June (as of June 23, 2026)
• A 3-0 loss to Argentina in what now looks like a harsh but survivable Group J opener (as of June 23, 2026)

The only losses in that 25-match stretch were to Argentina (0-3) and Nigeria (0-2). Vahid Petković's side can play. They proved it again against Jordan.

Key Players to Watch Against Austria

Algeria's 26-player squad blends European club pedigree with a few domestic-league regulars. Here are the names that matter most heading into the decider:

• I. Maza (Bayer Leverkusen) — 535 NT minutes, 2 goals, 1 assist in the last 12 months. At club level: 2,988 minutes across 45 appearances with 5 goals and 6 assists. The Leverkusen midfielder is the engine (as of June 23, 2026).
• R. Aït-Nouri (Manchester City) — 581 NT minutes, 10 appearances. At club level: 2,022 minutes, 6 assists across 33 appearances. An attacking left-back who can change games (as of June 23, 2026).
• R. Mahrez (Al-Ahli Jeddah) — 365 NT minutes, 3 goals in 9 appearances. Club form: 3,229 minutes, 8 goals, 10 assists. Still the talisman at 35 (as of June 23, 2026).
• F. Chaïbi (Eintracht Frankfurt) — 563 NT minutes, 1 goal. Club: 2,509 minutes, 3 goals, 9 assists in 38 appearances. A creative outlet from deep (as of June 23, 2026).
• A. Boulbina (Al-Duhail SC) — Just 84 NT minutes but 4 international goals and 1 assist across 11 appearances. At club level: 1,255 minutes, 11 goals. A super-sub who delivers when he enters (as of June 23, 2026).
• R. Bensebaïni (Borussia Dortmund) — 570 NT minutes, 7 appearances. At his club: 3,305 minutes, 7 goals, 3 assists in 42 matches. A defender who scores (as of June 23, 2026).

The Full 26-Player Squad

Algeria's official 26-player roster for the World Cup 2026:

Goalkeepers

• L. Zidane — Granada CF — 664 NT minutes, 7 appearances (as of June 23, 2026)
• M. Mastil — 0 NT minutes, 2 appearances (as of June 23, 2026)
• O. Benbot — USM Alger — 0 NT minutes, 1 appearance (as of June 23, 2026)

Defenders

• A. Mandi — Lille — 645 NT minutes, 9 appearances (as of June 23, 2026)
• R. Belghali — Hellas Verona — 593 NT minutes, 10 appearances (as of June 23, 2026)
• R. Aït-Nouri — Manchester City — 581 NT minutes, 10 appearances (as of June 23, 2026)
• R. Bensebaïni — Borussia Dortmund — 570 NT minutes, 7 appearances (as of June 23, 2026)
• Z. Belaïd — JS Kabylie — 353 NT minutes, 7 appearances (as of June 23, 2026)
• M. Tougai — ES Tunis — 109 NT minutes, 5 appearances (as of June 23, 2026)
• J. Hadjam — BSC Young Boys — 91 NT minutes, 4 appearances (as of June 23, 2026)
• S. Chergui — Paris FC — 60 NT minutes, 2 appearances (as of June 23, 2026)
• A. Abada — ASO Chlef — 56 NT minutes, 8 appearances (as of June 23, 2026)

Midfielders

• F. Chaïbi — Eintracht Frankfurt — 563 NT minutes, 1 goal, 9 appearances (as of June 23, 2026)
• I. Maza — Bayer Leverkusen — 535 NT minutes, 2 goals, 1 assist, 10 appearances (as of June 23, 2026)
• H. Boudaoui — Nice — 503 NT minutes, 1 assist, 7 appearances (as of June 23, 2026)
• R. Zerrouki — Twente — 229 NT minutes, 1 assist, 9 appearances (as of June 23, 2026)
• N. Bentaleb — Lille — 175 NT minutes, 1 assist, 3 appearances (as of June 23, 2026)
• H. Aouar — Al-Ittihad FC — 136 NT minutes, 5 appearances (as of June 23, 2026)
• Y. Titraoui — Charleroi — 11 NT minutes, 2 appearances (as of June 23, 2026)

Forwards

• M. Amoura — VfL Wolfsburg — 492 NT minutes, 1 assist, 9 appearances (as of June 23, 2026)
• R. Mahrez — Al-Ahli Jeddah — 365 NT minutes, 3 goals, 9 appearances (as of June 23, 2026)
• A. Gouiri — Marseille — 206 NT minutes, 5 appearances (as of June 23, 2026)
• A. Boulbina — Al-Duhail SC — 84 NT minutes, 4 goals, 1 assist, 11 appearances (as of June 23, 2026)
• A. Benbouali — Gyori ETO FC — 42 NT minutes, 4 appearances (as of June 23, 2026)
• Anis Hadj Moussa — 0 NT minutes, 0 appearances (as of June 23, 2026)
• F. Ghedjemis — Frosinone — 0 NT minutes, 1 appearance (as of June 23, 2026)

All stats reflect national-team performance over the last 12 months.

What Comes Next

June 27. Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City. Algeria vs. Austria. Both matches in the group kick off at the same time.

Algeria know what they need. After the Argentina loss, this was always going to be a two-game tournament for them. They survived game one of that mini-tournament against Jordan. Now comes the final.

Petković's squad has the quality. Maza and Chaïbi at club level in the Bundesliga. Aït-Nouri at Manchester City. Bensebaïni at Dortmund. Mahrez with 3 NT goals in his last 9 caps. This is a squad built to compete, not just to participate (as of June 23, 2026).

The question is whether the 0-3 Argentina result leaves too big a hole in goal difference. Algeria may need to win, not just draw. The margin for error was already gone before Jordan. It remains gone now — just pointed in a slightly more hopeful direction.

When does Algeria play their final Group J match?

Algeria face Austria on June 27, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. The match is part of the simultaneous final-round Group J fixtures.

What is Algeria's record in Group J so far?

Algeria lost 0-3 to Argentina in their opening match, then beat Jordan 2-1 in their second match <a href="/matches/jordan-vs-algeria/" rel="cite noopener" target="_blank" class="mt-citation" title="Match centre vs Jordan — official record" data-access-date="2026-06-23T08:40:48.942Z">Match centre vs Jordan — official record</a>. They need a result against Austria to have any chance of advancing to the Round of 16.

Who are Algeria's most experienced players at this World Cup?

A. Mandi leads the defensive corps with 645 NT minutes across 9 appearances in the last 12 months. In midfield, F. Chaïbi has 563 minutes in 9 appearances, and I. Maza has logged 535 minutes in 10 caps. R. Mahrez, the most recognizable name, has 365 NT minutes with 3 goals (as of June 23, 2026).

How did Algeria perform in the build-up to the World Cup?

Algeria posted 15 wins, 8 draws, and just 2 losses in their last 25 matches, scoring 47 goals and conceding 14. That run included a 1-0 win over the Netherlands and a 7-0 victory against Guatemala (as of June 23, 2026).

What does Algeria need to qualify for the Round of 16?

Algeria almost certainly need to beat Austria on June 27. The 0-3 loss to Argentina on the opening day damaged their goal difference significantly. A draw against Austria may not be enough depending on results elsewhere in the group (as of June 23, 2026).