2026 World Cup Day 6 Preview: France Faces Senegal, Iraq Meets Norway, Argentina Clashes with Algeria, Austria Battles Jordan

France Takes on Senegal

The finalists from four years ago, France, face Senegal in a match that recalls past highs and lows. France has experienced both triumphs and failures in World Cups, winning in 1998 and 2018, finishing runners-up in 2006 and 2022, but also suffering early exits or not qualifying at all in other tournaments. Their journey sometimes swings dramatically.

Senegal has been a strong contender in recent years, reaching the quarterfinals in 2002 and Round of 16 in 2022. They captured the Africa Cup of Nations title earlier this year before it was controversially revoked, yet their squad remains ambitious and skilled. Key players include former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly and goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. On the French side, Malo Gusto has cemented his spot, while midfield maestro N’Golo Kanté returned to Europe on loan to maintain form and selection chances.

Date / Time: Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 3pm EDT; 8pm BSTVenue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ, USAReferee: Alireza Faghani (Iran)Broadcast: FOX, Telemundo (USA); BBC One (UK)Streaming: FOX One, Peacock (USA); BBC iPlayer (UK)

Iraq Versus Norway

Iraq is making only its second World Cup appearance, having previously competed in 1986 where they lost all their matches. Norway returns after a long absence since 1998, when they reached the Round of 16. This tournament marks the World Cup debut of striker Erling Haaland, who makes Norway a team to watch.

No current or former Chelsea players are involved in this fixture. Norway’s young winger Antonio Nusa was once a target for Chelsea but ended up transferring to RB Leipzig instead.

Date / Time: Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 6pm EDT; 11pm BSTVenue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA, USAReferee: Pierre Atcho (Gabon)Broadcast: FOX, Telemundo (USA); BBC One (UK)Streaming: FOX One, Peacock (USA); BBC iPlayer (UK)

Argentina Faces Algeria

The reigning champions Argentina aim to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cups. They bring back 17 players from their previous squad. The absence of Ángel Di María is notable as he retired from international play.

Argentina stumbled early in the last tournament with a shocking loss to Saudi Arabia, so they likely won’t panic if Algeria pulls off an upset here.

Chelsea fans will keep an eye on Enzo Fernández and Valentín Barco, both linked to the club, alongside the ever-present Lionel Messi.

Date / Time: Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 9pm EDT; 2am BST (next day)Venue: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO, USAReferee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)Broadcast: FOX, Telemundo (USA); ITV 1 (UK)Streaming: FOX One, Peacock (USA); ITVx (UK)

Austria Meets Jordan

This matchup might fly under the radar but promises entertainment. Austria surprised many by reaching the last Euro round of 16. Jordan was runner-up in the 2023 Asian Cup and brings only one Europe-based player to this contest.

Former Chelsea player Carney Chukwuemeka switched allegiance to Austria earlier this year and has featured three times for his birth country. He's enjoyed a healthy season with Borussia Dortmund, racking up a career-high 38 appearances.

Date / Time: Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 9pm PDT; 5am BST (next day)Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA, USAReferee: Dahane Beida (Mauritania)Broadcast: FOX Sports 1, Telemundo (USA); BBC One (UK)Streaming: FOX One, Peacock (USA); BBC iPlayer (UK)