Jordan are out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing 2-1 to Algeria at San Francisco Bay Stadium on Monday, their second defeat of the group stage and enough to confirm elimination from Group 10.
Nizar Al-Rashdan gave Jordan the lead in the 36th minute, finishing with his right foot into the far corner after a sharp through-ball from Moussa Al-Tamari. Jordan went into half-time ahead despite Algeria dominating possession and creating several chances, with goalkeeper Yazid Abu Leila saving efforts from Fares Chaibi and Amine Gouiri in the first half, and denying Riyad Mahrez a near-certain goal in the 33rd minute.
Algeria came out with intent after the break, their coach making two changes immediately. The pressure eventually told when Nadhir Benbouali headed home a Riyad Mahrez corner in the 69th minute. Gouiri then settled it in the 82nd, capitalising on a defensive mix-up from a corner to score from close range. Seven minutes of stoppage time changed nothing.
Jordan, who also lost their opener 3-1 to Austria, finish the group stage without a point. Algeria and Austria are both on 3 points, setting up a decisive final-round meeting between the two sides for the second qualification spot. Argentina, who beat Austria 2-0 at Dallas on the same matchday, top the group on 6 points and are through to the last 32.
Jordan’s final group game, a dead rubber against Argentina, takes place early Sunday morning UAE time.
