Algeria's Late Double Ends 12-Year World Cup Wait, Sends Jordan Packing

Algeria pulled off a dramatic late turnaround to claim a vital World Cup qualifier victory, their first in 12 years, while simultaneously ending Jordan's hopes of progressing. The win breathes new life into the Desert Foxes' campaign and sends a wave of relief through a football-mad nation that has been waiting over a decade for this moment.

The Drought Ends

For Algeria, this was more than just three points. It was the end of a painful 12-year stretch without a win on the World Cup stage — be it qualifiers or finals. The last time the Green and White tasted success was back in 2014, when they defeated South Korea 4-2 in the group stage of the World Cup in Brazil. Since then, they have endured a string of disappointing results, including a group-stage exit in 2018 and failure to qualify for 2022. This victory, secured with two late goals, finally snaps that barren run and reignites belief that Algeria can once again compete on the global stage.

How It Unfolded

The match was a tense affair, with both sides knowing the stakes. Jordan, chasing their own dream of a first-ever World Cup appearance, had been resilient throughout. But as the clock ticked into the final 10 minutes, Algeria found a spark. A well-worked move resulted in the opening goal, immediately shifting the momentum. Moments later, they added a second to seal the result, sending the Algerian bench into wild celebrations while Jordan's players collapsed in despair. The late double ensured the North Africans emerged victorious in a fixture that had looked destined for a stalemate.

What It Means

For Algeria, this result keeps their hopes of reaching the World Cup finals very much alive. It also restores pride and confidence after years of underachievement. For Jordan, elimination is a bitter pill to swallow. Their campaign ends earlier than hoped, but they can take heart from pushing a more experienced side to the brink. Looking ahead, Algeria will need to build on this momentum in the remaining qualifiers. The win proves they still have the resilience and quality to mix it with the best — a timely reminder that the Desert Foxes are not to be underestimated.