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

France Faces Senegal in Anticipated Clash

Four years ago, France finished as runners-up, and before that they were champions. Their World Cup history swings between triumphs and disappointments: winning in 1998 and 2018, yet failing to win a single match in 2022 and 2010. Matches against Senegal have been pivotal, including a surprising loss to them at the 2002 tournament's start.

Senegal reached the quarterfinals in 2002 and the Round of 16 in the previous edition. They won the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year but had the title revoked due to administrative issues. Still, their squad remains strong and determined.

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

Chelsea fans might watch closely for Malo Gusto, who has become a French regular, and N'Golo Kanté, back from Saudi Arabia and currently playing on loan at Fenerbahçe. On Senegal’s side, former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly and goalkeeper Édouard Mendy stand out, along with the unpredictable Nicolas Jackson and promising Mamadou Sarr.

Iraq Meets Norway in World Cup Return

Iraq last appeared at the World Cup in 1986, exiting after three losses. Norway have not fared much better, with their last appearance in 1998 where they reached the Round of 16. This year, expectations rise with Erling Haaland making his World Cup debut.

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

No current or former Chelsea players are involved in this fixture. Chelsea once tried to sign Norway’s Antonio Nusa but lost him to RB Leipzig instead.

Argentina Looks to Defend Title Against Algeria

Argentina aims to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups. They return mostly intact from four years ago with 17 players still on the roster. The notable absence is Ángel Di María, who has retired from international play.

After a shocking opening loss to Saudi Arabia in 2022, Argentina should remain composed even if Algeria pulls an upset.

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

Chelsea enthusiasts will note the presence of Enzo Fernández and the soon-to-be player Valentín Barco, along with Lionel Messi still active on the team.

Austria Takes On Jordan in Evening Matchup

Sometimes the less spotlighted games offer the most excitement. Austria impressed at the last Euros, reaching the Round of 16. Jordan were runners-up at the 2023 Asian Cup, losing to Qatar. Jordan fields only one Europe-based player, adding intrigue to their performance.

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

Former Chelsea player Carney Chukwuemeka switched allegiance from England to Austria earlier this year. Born in Vienna, he has played three times for Austria and enjoyed a healthy season with Borussia Dortmund, appearing 38 times.