2026 World Cup Day 6 Preview: France vs Senegal, Iraq vs Norway, Argentina vs Algeria, Austria vs Jordan

Exciting Matches Mark Day 6 of the 2026 World Cup

The initial days of this World Cup have been surprisingly thrilling. The stadiums are full of energy, and the matches so far have delivered plenty of excitement. We're just midway through the first round of group games, and there's already a strong buzz across the host cities.

Today, several standout teams will begin their campaigns, including last tournament's finalists and a few surprise contenders that fans are eager to watch.

France vs. Senegal

France, who lost the final four years ago but were champions before that, often experience World Cups that swing wildly between triumph and disappointment. Their record is patchy: champions in 1998 and 2018, runners-up in 2006 and 2022, yet failing to win any matches in 2010 and 2022, and missing qualification entirely in 1990 and 1994.

A notable low point came when Senegal defeated them in the opening match of 2002. That year, Senegal reached the quarterfinals, while four years ago they made it to the Round of 16. Recently, Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations in January, although the title was later revoked due to administrative issues. Still, their squad remains strong and determined to make an impact.

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

Chelsea Fans Watch: Malo Gusto has become a regular for France, expected to see substantial playing time under coach Didier Deschamps, a former Chelsea player. N’Golo Kanté also returns after moving from Saudi Arabia on loan to Fenerbahçe to maintain his form. For Senegal, ex-Chelsea defender Kalidou “K2” Koulibaly anchors the defense alongside goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. Nicolas Jackson, known for unpredictable performances, could be a key player. Mamadou Sarr, recently recalled from Strasbourg, adds depth to their lineup.

Iraq vs. Norway

Iraq’s only previous World Cup appearance was in 1986, where they lost all three matches. Norway has seen a bit more success, reaching the Round of 16 in 1998, but this is their first World Cup since then. With Erling Haaland playing his first World Cup, Norway are considered dark horses by some analysts.

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

Chelsea Fans Watch: Neither team features current or former Chelsea players. Back in 2023, Chelsea tried to sign Norway’s Antonio Nusa but he chose RB Leipzig instead, where he still plays.

Argentina vs. Algeria

Argentina aims to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to defend their World Cup title. They return with 17 players from their last winning squad. Ángel Di María is the notable absentee, having retired from international play.

Four years ago, Argentina stumbled early with a surprising loss to Saudi Arabia. It’s unlikely they will panic if Algeria poses a challenge here.

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

Chelsea Fans Watch: Enzo Fernández and Valentín Barco are connected to Chelsea, though Barco's transfer isn't finalized yet and Fernández remains at his current club. Lionel Messi continues to lead the team as well.

Austria vs. Jordan

Sometimes the least talked-about matches bring the most drama. Austria impressed at the last Euros by reaching the Round of 16. Jordan finished as runners-up in the 2023 Asian Cup, losing to Qatar in the final. Jordan’s squad includes only one player based in Europe, adding to the intrigue.

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

Chelsea Fans Watch: Carney Chukwuemeka, who switched allegiance from England to Austria earlier this year, has featured three times for Austria so far. He enjoyed a healthy season with Borussia Dortmund, playing a career-best 38 matches.