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Rabat – Algeria face Jordan tonight at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in a crucial Group J match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Both teams enter the game without a point after losing their opening matches. Algeria suffered a 3–0 defeat against defending champions Argentina, while World Cup debutants Jordan lost 3–1 to Austria.
A second defeat would leave either team facing possible early elimination. Victory, meanwhile, would revive their hopes of qualifying for the round of 32 before the final matchday.
Match details:
Fixture: Jordan vs Algeria
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group J, Matchday 2
Venue: San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Santa Clara
Date: Tuesday, June 23, Morocco time
Kick-off: 4:00 a.m. Morocco time / 3:00 a.m. GMT
How to watch: beIN Sports in MENA; FOX Sports in the USA; ITV in the UK
Algeria team news
Injuries/Suspensions: Algeria did not report any major injuries following the defeat against Argentina. However, Mohamed Amoura is a fitness concern after reportedly suffering an injury in training.
No suspension problems have been reported, giving Vladimir Petkovic several options if he decides to change his starting lineup.
Returns/Doubts: Riyad Mahrez and Amoura started the Argentina match on the bench. Mahrez could return to the starting team against Jordan, while Amoura’s availability will depend on his fitness.
Recent Form: Algeria were beaten 3–0 by Argentina after Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick. Despite the scoreline, Petkovic believes his team competed well and were punished by moments of individual quality.
The Desert Foxes are appearing at their first World Cup since 2014, when they reached the last 16. A defeat against Jordan would place their return to the knockout rounds in danger.
Key Players: Mahrez remains Algeria’s main creative leader, while Amine Gouiri can provide movement and finishing in attack. Rayan Aït-Nouri is important when Algeria build from the left, and Hicham Boudaoui gives the midfield energy and control.
Likely XI: Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Aït-Nouri; Boudaoui, Zerrouki, Bentaleb; Mahrez, Gouiri, Maza.
Jordan team news
Injuries/Suspensions: Defender Abdallah Nasib is a doubt after leaving the match against Austria with a suspected injury. Jordan have no reported suspensions.
Recent Form: Jordan showed courage in their first-ever World Cup match but were beaten 3–1 by Austria. Ali Olwan scored Jordan’s first goal at a World Cup, giving Jamal Sellami’s team an important historic moment despite the defeat.
Sellami said the nervousness surrounding their debut is now behind them and expects his players to be more confident against Algeria.
Key Players: Olwan will be one of Jordan’s main threats after scoring in the opener. Mousa Al-Tamari offers speed, dribbling, and creativity, while Yazan Al-Arab provides leadership in defense.
Likely XI: Abu Laila; Al-Rousan, Al-Arab, Abualnadi; Haddad, Al-Rashdan, Al-Rawabdeh, Abu Taha; Fakhoury, Olwan; Al-Tamari.
What to expect
Algeria are favorites because of their greater experience and stronger individual quality. Petkovic’s team should control possession and attack more aggressively than they did against Argentina.
Jordan are expected to remain compact, defend with discipline, and use Al-Tamari and Olwan on quick counter-attacks. Their physical approach and defensive organization could make the game difficult.
The match may become open because both sides need three points. Algeria cannot afford another slow attacking performance, while Jordan will believe they can earn their first World Cup victory.
Safe bets
Algeria to Win: The Desert Foxes have more depth and match-winning quality.
Over 1.5 Goals: Both sides need victory and cannot remain defensive throughout the match.
Riyad Mahrez to Score or Assist: Algeria’s captain could return to the lineup for this must-win game.
Prediction: Jordan 1-2 Algeria.
