Algeria kept their World Cup campaign alive with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Jordan at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Monday night. The result eliminated Jordan from the tournament in their debut appearance and ensured Argentina would top Group J. Jordan had taken a surprise lead in the 36th minute when Nizar Al-Rashdan drilled a low shot past Luca Zidane after a defensive giveaway by Ramiz Zerrouki. Algeria, who dominated possession and created the better chances throughout, were wasteful in the first half, with captain Riyad Mahrez squandering two clear one-on-one opportunities. The equaliser arrived in the 69th minute, substitute Nadhir Benbouali heading in a Mahrez corner. Thirteen minutes later, from another corner delivered by Anis Hadj Moussa, a deflection off Al-Rashdan fell to Amine Gouiri, who stabbed home the winner from close range. The goal survived a VAR review for offside, sparking wild celebrations among the Algerian players and their travelling support.

The victory lifted Algeria to three points, level with Austria, who had earlier lost 2-0 to Argentina. Lionel Messi’s brace in that match — his 17th and 18th World Cup goals, a new all-time record — confirmed Argentina as group winners with a perfect six points. Jordan, beaten 3-1 by Austria in their opener, exit the competition with zero points but earned respect for their spirited performances. The group’s final round on Saturday now pits Algeria against Austria in Kansas City, a direct duel for the second automatic qualification spot. A draw would favour Austria on goal difference, though Algeria could still advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams depending on results elsewhere.

Algeria’s recovery owed much to the half-time interventions of coach Vladimir Petkovic. He introduced Benbouali and Nabil Bentaleb, shifting the midfield balance and adding aerial threat. The Desert Warriors had looked vulnerable after their 3-0 defeat to Argentina in the opening match, but here they showed the resilience that took them to the knockout stage in 2014. Post-match, forward Gouiri acknowledged the team’s mental strength: ‘We conceded, but we had mental resilience and slowly grew into the game.’ Defender Aissa Mandi called the win ‘well deserved’ and praised the group’s reaction. Jordan’s goalkeeper Yazeed Abu Laila, meanwhile, lamented missed chances and defensive lapses, telling reporters: ‘We blame ourselves and apologise to the fans.’

The upcoming Algeria-Austria match carries historical echoes. At the 1982 World Cup, Austria and West Germany played a notorious group-stage match that ensured both progressed at Algeria’s expense, prompting accusations of collusion — the ‘Disgrace of Gijon’. Four decades later, Algeria have the chance to exact a measure of sporting revenge. Jordan, for their part, will close their maiden World Cup against Argentina and Messi, who has scored all five of Argentina’s goals in the tournament so far. The stakes in Kansas City are clear: a place in the round of 32, and for Algeria, an opportunity to rewrite an old grievance.