Emerging
Jun 23, 2026 Major3
92%
Mahrez Returns as Algeria and Jordan Draw 1-1 in World Cup Group J
Algeria and Jordan drew 1-1 in World Cup Group J, with Nadhir Benbouali equalizing for Algeria after Jordan's early second-half goal. Riyad Mahrez returned as captain for Algeria, but the result leaves both teams with one point each, while Argentina leads the group.





Quick Facts
Who
Riyad Mahrez
What
Algeria and Jordan draw 1-1
When
2026 FIFA World Cup
Where
San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
- Algeria and Jordan draw 1-1
- Nadhir Benbouali scores equalizer for Algeria
- Riyad Mahrez returns as captain for Algeria
- Jordan makes two tactical changes
- Riyad Mahrez
Algeria and Jordan played out a 1-1 draw at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, California, during their FIFA World Cup Group J match early on Tuesday. The result leaves Jordan still searching for their first win, while Algeria gained a vital point after their opening defeat.
The match saw Algeria reintroduce captain Riyad Mahrez to the starting lineup after he was benched for their opening 3-0 loss to Argentina. The former Manchester City winger took over the captaincy from Aissa Mandi, while coach Jamal Sellami made two changes for Jordan, bringing in defenders Hossam Abu Al-Dahab and Mahmoud Al-Mardi to bolster their chances.
Jordan took the lead early in the second half, but Algeria responded in the 69th minute when substitute Nadhir Benbouali outjumped the Jordan defense to head home a free kick from Mahrez, leveling the score. The goal energized Algeria, but Jordan remained dangerous on the counter through Ali Olwan, who had scored their first World Cup goal against Austria.
Both teams pressed for a winner in the final stages, with Algeria's Ibrahim Maza and Anis Hadj Moussa testing Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abu Laila, but neither side could break the deadlock. The draw leaves Jordan with one point and on the brink of elimination, while Algeria share the same record. Argentina, already qualified for the next round after beating Austria 2-0, top the group with maximum points.
Why This Matters
This result keeps both Algeria and Jordan alive in the group with one point each, but Argentina's lead means neither can afford a loss in their final match. For Algeria, Mahrez's return and the late equalizer provide momentum, while Jordan must secure a win to advance.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 23, 2026
WireMatch preview: Riyad Mahrez returns to Algeria starting lineup
Jun 23, 2026
WireMatch begins: Jordan vs Algeria kick-off
Jun 23, 2026
WireJordan scores first goal (around 50th minute)
Jun 23, 2026
WireNadhir Benbouali equalizes for Algeria in the 69th minute
Jun 23, 2026
WireMatch ends: Jordan 1-1 Algeria
Entities
- Lionel Messi
- Ibrahim Maza
- San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
- Austria national football team
- Algeria national football team
- Mousa Al-Tamari
- Santa Clara
- Argentina national football team
- California
- Aissa Mandi
- FIFA
- Anis Hadj Moussa
- Jordan national football team
- Riyad Mahrez
- Yazeed Abu Laila
- Jamal Sellami
- Nadhir Benbouali
- Ali Olwan