Each desperate for a win on the world stage, Jordan and Algeria are set to clash at Levi’s Stadium on Monday night in a game that could make or break their respective tournaments.
Jordan fell short on their World Cup debut last time out, falling 3–1 to Austria despite staying on until the 76th minute. A late own goal and stoppage-time penalty provided three points from Ralf Rangnick.
Algeria, who made their first World Cup appearance since 2014 last Tuesday, never stood a chance against reigning world champions Argentina. Lionel Messi scored a hat trick to lead his country to a 3-0 victory, leaving the African side bottom of Group J.
Both teams need a positive result when they meet in California to keep any hopes of a knockout stage alive.
Compete against the world. | SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
Score prediction Jordan vs. Algeria
Algeria comes back when it counts
Algeria have what it takes to get past Jordan. | Alex Pantling/FIFA/Getty Images
There were few positives for Algeria to take from their opening defeat to Argentina, but the good news is that Jordan are nowhere near La Albiceleste’s pedigree. Vladimir Petković’s men can bounce back in a major way against such an inferior side, but they need better individual performances from their big names, especially Luca Zidane between the posts.
Jordan certainly won’t roll over, though. Knowing they need to come away with three points to avoid elimination, it will make for a thrilling game with both teams going at each end. Jordan won’t lack confidence either after hanging with Austria until the late stages.
Expect goals and potentially a bit of mayhem from two desperate teams, but ultimately Algeria have the advantage to emerge with a win under the lights.
Algeria’s recent upsets: Algeria have a history of pulling off surprise results against top sides. He held Uruguay to a goalless draw in March and just beat the Netherlands in a World Cup warm-up match. Compared to those results, Jordan’s turnover should be more of a routine. Jordan’s recent woes: Jordan hasn’t won a game since December 15. They have lost four of their last five matches, the only positive result being a 2–2 draw with Costa Rica in March. Defensive deficiencies: Jordan have conceded at least two goals in their last five games. Algeria, meanwhile, have a habit of committing self-inflicted injuries that provide teams with dangerous chances.
Prediction: Jordan 1–3 Algeria
Predicted Lineup Jordan vs. Algeria
Ali Olwan will be hoping to get on the score sheet again. | Sports Illustrated
Abdallah Nasib was forced off against Austria in the 81st minute with injury and faces a late fitness test to be ready for Algeria on Monday. Saed Al-Rousan is expected to take his place in defense if he is unable to play from the start.
With potentially a new face in the back line, Jamal Sellami’s defense needs to be much sharper this time around. Yazan Al-Arab in particular will be desperate for a solid performance after his own goal gave Austria three points.
Ali Olwan, who scored his country’s first goal at the World Cup last time out, will be hoping to recreate some of that magic against Algeria, but the goal burden is weighing on the 26-year-old. Mousa Tamari struggled to get going in Jordan’s opener and another quiet performance will doom his country.
Jordan predicted line-up against Algeria (3-4-3): Abulaila; Al Rousan, Al Arab, Abualnadi; Haddad, Al Rashdan, Al Rawabdeh, Abu Taha; Fakhoury, Olwan; Tamara.
Predicted line-up Algeria vs. Jordan
Mohamed Amoura is expected to lead the line after only playing from the bench last time out. | Sports Illustrated
Unlike Jordan, Algeria escaped their World Cup opener unscathed. However, Petković may feel compelled to make some changes to his attack, which did not even register a shot on target against Argentina.
Mohamed Amoura is in line to make the starting line-up after being a surprise omission last Tuesday. The striker has scored 10 goals in World Cup qualifying, the most by any player in the squad, and will certainly have his chances against a volatile Jordan backline.
Captain Riyad Mahrez was also overlooked but could make his way back into the XI. His leadership will be greatly appreciated for such an important clash.
Algeria predicted lineup vs. Jordan (4-3-3): Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Aït-Nouri; Boudaoui, Zerrouki, Maza; Mahrez, Amoura, Chaïbi.
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What time does Jordan vs. Algeria?
Location: Santa Clara, US Stadium: Levi’s Stadium Date: Monday, June 22 / Tuesday, June 23 Kickoff Time: 11:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM PT / 4:00 AM BST (June 23)
How to watch Jordan vs. Algeria on TV, live stream
Country
Emitter(s)
United States
FS1, fuboTV, Peacock, Telemundo, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, FOX One,
Canada
TSN+, TSN1, TSN3, TSN4, TSN5, RDS, RDS app
Mexico
ViX Mexico
United Kingdom
ITV1, STV, ITVX, STV Player
MORE: Complete list of worldwide broadcasters for Jordan vs. Algeria
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