Under the California sun at Levi's Stadium, Algeria announced their World Cup 2026 arrival with a composed 2-1 victory over a resilient Jordan side that refused to go quietly.

**First Half — Algeria's Slick Opening** The Fennec Foxes settled immediately, Ramiz Zerrouki dictating tempo from deep while Farès Chaïbi and Hicham Boudaoui pressed Jordan's midfield into errors. The opener arrived on 18 minutes: Riyad Mahrez, drifting infield from the right, slid a perfectly weighted through-ball into the channel for Amine Gouiri, who took one touch to control and slotted calmly past Yazeed Abulaila at the near post. Algeria continued to threaten through Anis Hadj Moussa on the left flank, but Jordan's back four — marshalled by captain Ihsan Haddad — held firm. Amer Jamous picked up a yellow card on 38 minutes for a cynical foul on Boudaoui as Jordan tried to disrupt Algeria's rhythm.

**Second Half — Jordan's Spirited Fightback** Jordan re-emerged with intent. Musa Al-Taamari, the Rennes forward and Jordan's brightest spark, had been quiet in the first half but exploded into life after the break. On 54 minutes, Odeh Al-Fakhouri burst down the left and whipped in a low cross; Al-Taamari arrived at the far post to side-foot home and silence the large Algerian support inside Levi's Stadium. The equaliser visibly rattled Algeria, who were suddenly exposed on the counter. But on 69 minutes, Salim Obaid — introduced as a second-half substitute — clumsily brought down Gouiri inside the area. Mahrez stepped up, sent Abulaila the wrong way, and restored Algeria's lead from the spot on 73 minutes.

**Closing Stages** Jordan pushed desperately for a second equaliser, with Ibrahim Sadeh and Ali Azaizeh introduced to add energy. Sadeh earned a yellow card on 82 minutes for dissent. Benbot in the Algerian goal made a sharp save from a late Al-Taamari drive, and Algeria's experienced backline — Bensebaini and Mandi imperious — saw out the final minutes with authority. A deserved three points for Algeria, but Jordan's fighting spirit served notice that they will not be a pushover in Group J.