Jordan’s Abutaha holds Algeria’s Belghali during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match on 22 June [Getty]
Dozens of people were arrested in Doha on Tuesday after a mass brawl involving Algerian and Jordanian football fans during the two countries’ World Cup match.
Videos circulating on social media showed men throwing chairs at one another at a cafe in Doha’s Dafna district, while security personnel attempted to intervene and break up the fight.
One man appeared to have been injured, with footage showing blood running down his head.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, and The New Arab was unable to independently verify the videos or the identities of those involved.
The clash occurred as Algeria defeated World Cup debutants Jordan 2-1 in Santa Clara, California, strengthening the North African side’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
In a statement issued early on Wednesday, Qatar’s Interior Ministry said the incident involved a fight “between several individuals at a restaurant”, adding that the behaviour violated the law, endangered people and property, and disrupted public security and order.
The ministry said authorities had arrested 25 Arab nationals in connection with the incident and referred the case to the Public Prosecution. It added that legal action would be taken against anyone found to have violated the law or threatened public order.
The ministry did not disclose the nationalities of those arrested.
The incident prompted widespread condemnation on social media, with some users calling for those involved to be deported.
Algeria’s victory moved them onto three points in Group J, leaving them needing a win against Austria in their final group-stage match on Saturday to secure a place in the round of 32.
Jordan, meanwhile, were eliminated after suffering a second consecutive defeat in their first-ever World Cup campaign.
Argentina have already secured top spot in the group with six points from two matches.
