2026 World Cup Day 6 Preview: France Faces Senegal, Argentina Meets Algeria and More
France Takes on Senegal in a Rematch of Past Tensions
The 2026 World Cup continues with some intriguing fixtures. France, runners-up four years ago and champions in 1998 and 2018, begin their campaign against Senegal at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The French team’s history in the tournament swings between extremes: sometimes triumph, sometimes early exits. Notably, France’s 2002 tournament started with a loss to Senegal, who reached the quarterfinals that year.
Senegal enters this match as Africa Cup of Nations champions from earlier this year, though the title was later stripped due to administrative reasons. Their squad remains strong and ambitious. The match kicks off at 3pm EDT (8pm BST) and will be refereed by Alireza Faghani from Iran. Fans can catch it on FOX and Telemundo in the US, or BBC One in the UK.
Chelsea fans should watch for Malo Gusto, who has become a regular starter for France, as well as N’Golo Kanté, recently back in form after moving from Saudi Arabia to Fenerbahçe on loan. Senegal boasts former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly, goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, and forward Nicolas Jackson, whose unpredictable style adds excitement.
Iraq vs Norway: A Battle of the Underdogs
Iraq and Norway meet at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, at 6pm EDT (11pm BST). Iraq’s only previous World Cup appearance was in 1986, where they lost all three matches. Norway last reached the Round of 16 in 1998 but has been absent since. This tournament marks Erling Haaland’s first World Cup appearance, raising hopes for Norway.
Referee Pierre Atcho from Gabon will oversee this clash. The game airs on FOX and Telemundo in the US, and BBC One in the UK. Neither team features current or former Chelsea players, although Norway’s Antonio Nusa was once a transfer target for Chelsea but eventually joined RB Leipzig.
Argentina Looks to Defend Title Against Algeria
Argentina aims to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cups. With 17 players returning from their 2022 squad, the team has a familiar core, minus Ángel Di María, who retired from international play. Their shock loss to Saudi Arabia in 2022 opened eyes, so they may be cautious despite expectations.
This match takes place at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City at 9pm EDT (2am BST next day), with Polish referee Szymon Marciniak in charge. Viewers can tune in via FOX and Telemundo in the US, ITV 1 in the UK.
Chelsea-related players include Enzo Fernández and Valentín Barco, both involved with the club in different ways, plus the ever-present Lionel Messi.
Austria and Jordan Face Off in a Less-Hyped Match
Sometimes the quieter games surprise us with excitement. Austria, who performed well at the last Euros reaching the Round of 16, face Jordan, runners-up of the 2023 Asian Cup. Jordan fields mostly domestic players, with only one based in Europe, adding an element of mystery to their play style.
This fixture is set for 9pm PDT (5am BST next day) at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Dahane Beida from Mauritania is the referee. The match broadcasts on FOX Sports 1 and Telemundo in the US and BBC One in the UK.
Keep an eye on Carney Chukwuemeka, a former Chelsea player who switched allegiance to Austria this year. Born in Vienna, he moved to England young but has returned to represent his birth country. This season, he has played 38 times for Borussia Dortmund, a career best.
