World Cup 2026 Day 6: France Face Senegal, Argentina Take on Algeria
Elizabeth Melimopoulos
France and Argentina, two giants of world football, kick off their World Cup 2026 campaigns on Tuesday against Senegal and Algeria respectively, while Norway return after 28 years.
Day 6 of the 2026 World Cup sees the tournament debut of some of football's biggest names, with France and Argentina headlining the action. France, champions in 2018, take on Senegal at New York New Jersey Stadium at 19:00 GMT (3 pm local time). This is a repeat of the memorable 2002 opening match, when Senegal — then a debutant — shocked the defending champions France 1-0 with a goal from Papa Bouba Diop.
According to Opta's supercomputer, France hold a clear advantage with a 64.8% win probability, while Senegal have only a 14.9% chance of springing a surprise. The draw is rated at 20.3%.
Also on Tuesday, defending world champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, face Algeria in Kansas City, Missouri (01:00 GMT Wednesday). The two sides have never met in a World Cup, but Argentina beat Algeria 4-3 in a 2007 friendly in which Messi scored his first two international goals. Opta, after 25,000 simulations, gives Argentina a 68.2% chance of winning, Algeria 13.2%, and the draw 18.6%.
Norway return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, meeting Iraq at Boston Stadium (22:00 GMT). Led by Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, Norway are favourites with a 77.4% chance of victory, while Iraq have just 8.6%.
The day's final match sees Austria face Jordan at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (04:00 GMT Wednesday). Austria, ranked 25th worldwide, are predicted by Opta to win with 70.3%, Jordan 12.9%, and a draw 16.9%. Austria are considered Argentina's main rival in Group J.
Beyond the matches, several notable events: Cape Verdeans are still celebrating their historic 0-0 draw against Spain, and their goalkeeper Vozinha has become a social media phenomenon, seeing his Instagram following rise from 50,000 to 4.9 million. Saudi Arabia were held to a 1-1 draw by Uruguay despite taking the lead. Tunisia sacked coach Sabri Lamouchi after a 5-1 defeat to Sweden. A duck named Merlin, wearing a Mexico jersey, has become a beloved unofficial mascot. Norway have drawn attention with their Viking style, and FIFA has stated there is no evidence of a violation by VAR assistant referee Shaun Evans, who was accused of making a racist gesture.
On the emotional side, Iraq's return to the World Cup after more than 40 years brings rare joy for fans, but also disappointment as many supporters cannot travel to the US to cheer due to restrictions.
