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[World Cup Review] 'FC Seoul's Yazan in Tears': Jordan Suffers Heartbreaking Comeback Defeat Against Algeria 1-2... Group Stage Elimination Confirmed

Published:

Lee Wonhee

*This content was translated by AI.

Jordan defender Yazan. /AFPBBNews=NEWS1
Jordan defender Yazan. /AFPBBNews=NEWS1
Algerian players celebrating. /AFPBBNews=NEWS1
Algerian players celebrating. /AFPBBNews=NEWS1

Jordan, which made history by reaching the World Cup finals for the first time, was eliminated early from the global stage in a heartbreaking fashion. Yazan, a key defender for Jordan who plays for K League club FC Seoul, hung his head in disappointment.

On the 23rd (Korean time), Jordan suffered a 1-2 comeback defeat against Algeria in the second group stage match of the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup at the San Francisco Bay Arena Stadium in San Francisco, USA.

Under the guidance of coach Jamal Selami, Jordan reached the World Cup finals for the first time in its history. Earlier, in the third round of Asian qualifiers for the North American World Cup, Jordan was placed in Group B alongside South Korea, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, and secured a thrilling spot in the finals by finishing second in the group behind South Korea. In this tournament, Jordan was drawn into Group J along with Austria, Algeria, and Argentina.

However, the World Cup debut proved harsh. After losing 1-3 to Austria in the first match, Jordan suffered another comeback defeat against Algeria, recording two consecutive losses. The team experienced the pain of early elimination on its first World Cup stage.

FC Seoul defender Yazan also swallowed his disappointment. In the first match against Austria, Yazan played a full-body defensive game throughout the match but hung his head after scoring an own goal while trying to stop the opponent's attack.

In the match against Algeria, Yazan anchored the defense. He recorded nine defensive plays, including one tackle, six clearances, and one interception, demonstrating stable defense. However, Jordan's defensive concentration wavered in the final moments of the second half, and the team collapsed after conceding consecutive goals from set pieces.

Yazan (on the right). /AFPBBNews=NEWS1
Yazan (on the right). /AFPBBNews=NEWS1

With Jordan finishing at the bottom of the group, their elimination from the World Cup was confirmed regardless of the outcome of the remaining third match. Austria and Algeria, both with one win and one loss (three points), occupied second and third place in the group, respectively. Austria, which held the advantage in goal difference, stood one step above. Argentina, led by "God of Football" Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), topped the group with two consecutive wins (six points).

Jordan's start was not bad. In the 36th minute of the first half, midfielder Nazar Al Rashdan (Qatar SC) scored the opening goal. Jordan, which launched an attack from the left side of the penalty box, had Musa Al-Tamari (Lens) attempt a shot, but the ball went behind. However, this scene led to a scoring opportunity. Al Rashdan, who surged from behind, shook the net with an outside shot.

Afterward, Jordan focused on defense to maintain their lead. Things went as planned until the middle of the second half. Yazan also stopped Algeria's attacks with his full-body defensive efforts.

Jordan's goal celebration. /AFPBBNews=NEWS1
Jordan's goal celebration. /AFPBBNews=NEWS1

The problem was set pieces. In the 24th minute of the second half, Jordan conceded an equalizing header from Nadari Benmouali (Zalaegerszegi TE). Algeria, gaining momentum, intensified their attack. Eventually, Jordan collapsed again. In the 37th minute of the second half, they conceded a comeback header from Amin Guirri (Olympique Marseille). Immediately after the goal, Yazan let out a sigh full of regret.

Jordan then tried to equalize by using substitution cards. However, Algeria's goal remained closed. Jordan, which had the first World Cup final victory in its history within reach, ultimately had to accept a comeback defeat. Yazan and Jordan's first World Cup challenge also ended in the group stage.

Algeria's goal celebration. /AFPBBNews=NEWS1
Algeria's goal celebration. /AFPBBNews=NEWS1

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*This content was translated by AI.

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