Jordan vs Algeria prediction: Will World Cup debutants claim their first win?

Having seen fellow debutants Cape Verde and Curacao grab the headlines over the weekend, now is the time for Jordan to announce themselves at World Cup 2026.

Jamal Sellami’s side did not disgrace themselves in their opening Group J game against Austria, as Ali Olwan became his country’s first-ever goalscorer at the tournament in a 3-1 defeat.

But Jordan remain without a point and this meeting with Algeria in San Francisco surely represents their best chance of claiming a maiden World Cup victory, with a daunting clash with Argentina and Lionel Messi to follow.

Play our FREE match predictor and win £1k

Jordan vs Algeria odds from BOYLE SPORTS

• Jordan WIN - 5/1
• Draw - 3/1
• Algeria WIN - 4/9

Jordan vs Algeria prediction

Riyad Mahrez is still going strong for Algeria (Image credit: Getty Images)

Sellami’s side were in the game for long periods against Austria, a team ranked 47 places above them in the FIFA rankings.

Indeed, they were 20 minutes or so from claiming a very respectable point in San Francisco, where they return for their second game at 4am BST on Tuesday, June 23.

Former Switzerland boss Vladimir Petkovic is in charge of Algeria (Image credit: PA)

The change of opposition is unlikely to lead to a change of tactics, with Jordan’s success built on giving up possession and hitting teams on the counter-attack.

That was evident against Austria, when they had under 37 per cent possession but still registered the same number of shots (11) and shots on target (4) as their opponents, while managing 21 touches in the Europeans’ penalty area.

However, that approach could prove risky against a talented Algerian side who boast several players capable of producing moments of magic.

The Desert Foxes’ most famous player remains former Manchester City and Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez, who is still going strong with Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ahli.

However, the 35-year-old did not start Algeria’s 3-0 defeat by Argentina in their opening game and was introduced only in the 64th minute, showing the depth of talent available to manager Vladimir Petkovic.

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to condemn Algeria to defeat in their opening game (Image credit: Getty Images)

Feyenoord’s Anis Hadj Moussa and Fares Chaibi, of Eintracht Frankfurt, got the nod on the wings, while Petkovic can also call on Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Ibrahim Maza - dubbed ‘Mazadona’ by fans - and Wolfsburg striker Mohamed Amoura, who topped the goalscoring charts in African qualifying.

You would expect that collection of players to click at some point, having understandably been outshone by Messi’s hat-trick in the opening game, and they will see this as a great opportunity to take three points and boost their chances of qualifying for the last 32.

Equally, Jordan will know they cannot rely on getting anything from their meeting with Messi - which could make for an entertaining contest here.

Score prediction: Jordan 1-2 Algeria

Jordan are looking for their first-ever World Cp victory (Image credit: Getty Images)

How to watch Jordan vs Algeria

You can watch Jordan vs Algeria in Group J of World Cup 2026 for free.

The match will be broadcast live on ITV in the UK, FS1 in the United States and SBS in Australia.

What's your Jordan vs Algeria prediction? Let us know below...