Algeria and Jordan Battle for World Cup Survival in High-Stakes Group J Match

Algeria and Jordan face off in a pivotal Group J clash at Levi's Stadium on June 23, with both teams needing a victory to stay in contention for the 2026 World Cup. The match kicks off at 4:00 GMT+1, and both sides are looking to bounce back after opening defeats: Algeria lost 0-3 to Argentina, while Jordan fell 1-3 to Austria. Kalshi traders give Algeria a 65% chance to win, with a tie at 23% and Jordan at 15%, as the teams aim to recover their tournament hopes.

Algeria, ranked No. 29 in the FIFA World Rankings, are making their fifth World Cup appearance and their first since 2014. Coach Vladimir Petkovic is expected to start Riyad Mahrez, who was surprisingly left on the bench in the opener, alongside Amine Gouiri and Farès Chaïbi in a 4-3-3 formation. The Fennec Foxes managed only three shots from inside the penalty area against Argentina despite 53% possession, and Petkovic has emphasized the importance of the match, stating, "Our main goal is to win in order to make the difference with our own hands."

Jordan, ranked No. 68 and making their World Cup debut, showed promise in their opening loss despite the defeat. Ali Olwan scored the country's first-ever World Cup goal in the 76th minute against Austria, and the team matched Austria's shot count and hit the woodwork. Coach Jamal Sellami has opted for a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Mousa Tamari and Ali Olwan supporting striker Mahmoud Al-Mardi. Sellami noted, "The initial nerves are gone now. The players feel more comfortable and trust their abilities more."

With Argentina having beaten Austria 2-0 earlier, the group standings see Argentina at six points, Austria at three, and both Jordan and Algeria at zero. A win tonight would put either side level with Austria on points and keep them alive for one of the eight third-place spots that advance under the 2026 format. A loss would leave that team needing a near-impossible swing of results on the final matchday to progress. Kalshi's group qualifier market reflects the stakes: Algeria sits at 61% to advance, while Jordan is at 10%.

Both teams are targeting a decisive response to keep their World Cup dreams alive, with Algeria banking on defensive solidity and the creativity of Mahrez, while Jordan relies on a disciplined back line and quick counter-attacks. The result of this match will shape the final group stage matches on June 27, where Algeria will face Austria and Jordan will take on Argentina.