Algeria boosted their hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a 2-1 comeback victory over Jordan, while Senegal fell to another defeat in a 3-2 loss to Norway.
The contrasting results left Algeria firmly in contention in Group J, while Senegal now face an early exit after losing their opening two matches.
At the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Algeria overturned a first-half deficit to claim a crucial three points.
Jordan, making their World Cup debut, struck first in the 36th minute through Nizar Al Rashdan, who finished smartly after a sliced effort from Mousa Al Tamari fell kindly into his path.
Despite enjoying much of the possession, Algeria struggled to break down Jordan’s disciplined defence before halftime.
The Fennec Foxes emerged with greater urgency after the break and eventually found their reward in the 69th minute when Nadhir Benbouali powered home a header from a corner kick.
Algeria completed the turnaround eight minutes from time. Amine Gouiri pounced from close range, following another set-piece delivery, to hand Vladimir Petkovic’s side a vital victory and eliminate Jordan from the tournament.
The win moved Algeria onto three points in Group J, keeping alive their hopes of advancing to the Round of 32 ahead of their final group match.
Player of the Match Ibrahim Maza praised his team’s patience after the comeback. “They were leading 1-0 but we had the upper hand throughout the game. We remained patient, scored two good goals and got the win,” Maza said.
“We wanted to put that loss (against Argentina) behind us. When you win a World Cup match, you have to appreciate it,” noted defender Aissa Mandi.
For Jordan, the defeat ended a historic first World Cup campaign after just two matches, although coach Jamal Sellami insisted the experience would benefit Jordanian football in the future.
Meanwhile, in New York, Senegal’s hopes suffered another blow as they lost 3-2 to Norway despite a determined display.
Norway took the lead shortly before halftime when Marcus Holmgren Pedersen capitalised on a defensive error to score. Three minutes into the second half, star striker Erling Haaland doubled the advantage after being played through by Martin Odegaard.
Ismaila Sarr reduced the deficit for Senegal in the 53rd minute, but Haaland restored Norway’s two-goal cushion five minutes later with his second goal of the night and fourth of the tournament.
Sarr grabbed another goal deep into stoppage time to set up a tense finish, but Norway held on to secure qualification for the knockout stage. The result leaves Senegal without a point after two matches and facing an uphill battle to avoid an early exit.
“We’re disappointed, but it’s not over yet. There’s still one more game to play and we’ll go there to win,” Sarr said after the match.
