Joyous ululations echoing from balconies, an uninterrupted symphony of car horns, and a collective sense of relief—the city of Oran did not sleep a wink following Algerias crucial victory on Tuesday against Jordan (2-1) in the 2026 World Cup. Finding themselves a goal down, the Greens dug deep into their reserves to turn the tide in California, instantly igniting a massive wave of popular celebration throughout the thoroughfares of El Bahia. This is the chronicle of a sleepless night where Oranian passion completely swept away the anxiety of the opening minutes.
The final whistle did not just echo through Levis Stadium; it liberated an entire city that had been holding its breath. In Oran, where fans gathered for kickoff at 4:00 AM, the atmosphere swung through a full spectrum of emotions. The terraces of cafes across Akid Lotfi and the downtown core, exceptionally packed at such an early hour, initially plunged into a heavy silence in the 36th minute when Jordans Nizar Al-Rashdan opened the scoring.
Fear of an early exit was etched across every face. “Honestly, at halftime, I had my head in my hands; we just could not find any openings,” confessed 24-year-old Sofiane, sitting at a cafe near the Place d’Armes. “But with our squad, you know everything can shift in an instant. The introduction of the substitutes altered the entire dynamic,” he noted.
The turning point arrived in the second half, translating anxiety into an eruption of delight. A fierce equalizer from Nadhir Benbouali in the 69th minute sent spectators leaping from their chairs, shattering the nighttime tension, before Amine Gouiris decisive strike in the 82nd minute permanently threw Oran into pure ecstasy.
From that moment on, the action was no longer confined to the screens; it spilled out into the streets. The ALN Boulevard became instantly gridlocked by streams of vehicles draped in green, red, and white. Entire families headed down to the waterfront to soak in the atmosphere of triumph, while young Oranians turned roundabouts into makeshift dance floors beneath the flash of fireworks.
Amidst the din of blaring horns, emotion was deeply felt among older generations, who recalled the historic chapters of the national football team. “Watching my children and grandchildren jump for joy together at this hour, that is the true magic of the World Cup,” whispered 67-year-old Ammi Merouane, who came out to savor the moment with his family near Maraval. “We struggled, but this team has heart. Look at these young people; they deserved this happiness.”
As the first light of dawn began to illuminate El Bahia, anthems honoring the Fennecs continued to echo from Sidi El Houari all the way to Es-Seddikia. This sleepless night, snatched at the height of suspense, fully restores Algerias confidence for the remainder of its global campaign.