Jordan’s World Cup Hopes Dented as Algeria Rallies for Victory; France Advance Behind Mbappe Double

Jordan’s hopes of progressing at the World Cup suffered a setback on Tuesday after surrendering a first-half lead in a 2-1 defeat to Algeria in California.

Jordan appeared on course for a valuable victory after controlling much of the opening period and taking the lead through Nizar Al Rashdan in the 36th minute. The midfielder’s strike capped an impressive first-half display as Jordan created several opportunities and kept Algeria under pressure.

However, the North African side responded strongly after the break, scoring twice to complete a comeback and secure three crucial points. The defeat leaves Jordan facing a difficult task in its final group match against defending champions Argentina on Sunday.

Algeria, meanwhile, will meet Austria in its last group-stage fixture, with qualification prospects still firmly in its own hands.

Elsewhere at the tournament, France became one of the first teams to book a place in the round of 32 after a convincing 3-0 victory over Iraq in a match disrupted by a lengthy weather delay.

Star forward Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France maintained its perfect start to the competition. The match was interrupted by severe thunderstorms, forcing a delay of nearly two hours before the second half could begin.

France manager Didier Deschamps praised his team’s performance despite the unusual circumstances.

“The first half was good,” Deschamps said after the match. “In the second half, we picked up where we left off despite the interruption and managed to finish the job.”

Mbappe opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a powerful left-footed strike from outside the penalty area. His second goal came shortly after the restart when Iraq gifted possession to France following a costly mistake from a goal kick. Ousmane Dembele provided the assist for Mbappe’s simple finish.

Dembele later added France’s third goal, responding to criticism following his performance in France’s opening victory over Senegal.

The brace moved Mbappe to 16 World Cup goals, drawing him level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose. He now trails Argentina captain Lionel Messi by two goals on the tournament’s all-time scoring list after Messi scored twice in Argentina’s win over Austria earlier in the day.

France and Norway now sit level on six points in Group I after Norway defeated Senegal 3-2. The two unbeaten sides will meet on Saturday to determine the group winner, with France requiring only a draw because of its superior goal difference.

Iraq remain mathematically in contention for one of the best third-place qualification spots but will likely need a victory against Senegal in their final group match while hoping other results go their way.