World Cup 2026: Algeria threatened with elimination as early as second match against Jordan

Three goals from Lionel Messi, a 3-0 defeat and qualification already in jeopardy: Algeria face their second group match against Jordan in a critical position, with early elimination now conceivable as early as the second matchday of the 2026 World Cup.

The Fennecs, who hoped to rival the defending world champions, were dominated from start to finish by Argentina in their opening game. The result, 3-0, leaves no room for debate. Luca Zidane and his teammates find themselves with their backs against the wall before even reaching the midway point of the tournament.

A second defeat, against Jordan tonight, would not be automatically fatal — but it could be depending on the result of the match between Argentina and Austria, played Monday at 7 p.m. If Argentina do not beat Austria, Jordan would have at least three points and a favorable goal difference, placing Algeria in fourth and last place in the group with no chance of recovery. In the event of an Austrian victory, Algeria would be mathematically condemned to last place, regardless of the outcome of their third match.

Manager Vladimir Petkovic refused to dramatize the situation at his press conference. “I don’t agree that this match is decisive. There will still be one last match in this group and that’s when we’ll know our fate. We want to win, to make sure our fate is in our own hands,” he said on the eve of the match.

Even in the event of a victory against Jordan, Algeria will not qualify for the round of 16. The third group match, against Austria next Friday, promises to be decisive in any case for the Fennecs’ continuation in the competition.