2026 World Cup Day 6 Highlights: France Faces Senegal, Argentina Meets Algeria, and More
France vs. Senegal
France, runners-up in the last World Cup and champions four years before that, have a history of highs and lows. Their record includes winning titles in 1998 and 2018, yet there were tournaments like 2010 and 2022 where they failed to win a single match. Their opening game in 2002 saw a shock defeat against Senegal, who later reached the quarterfinals that year.
Senegal arrives having won the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, though the title was later taken away by an administrative ruling. That does not diminish their strength or ambition heading into this tournament.
- Date / Time: June 16, 2026, 3pm EDT; 8pm BST
- Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
- Referee: Alireza Faghani (Iran)
- TV: FOX, Telemundo (USA); BBC One (UK)
- Streaming: FOX One, Peacock (USA); BBC iPlayer (UK)
Chelsea fans will watch for Malo Gusto, a regular under coach Didier Deschamps, and the return of N’Golo Kanté, who rejoined European football from Saudi Arabia to secure his spot. Senegal counters with Kalidou Koulibaly and goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, alongside Nicolas Jackson, known for his unpredictable style. Mamadou Sarr also adds depth after his recall from Strasbourg.
Iraq vs. Norway
Iraq's only World Cup appearance dates back to 1986, where they lost all group matches. Norway’s last tournament was in 1998 when they reached the Round of 16. This year, many eyes are on Norway’s Erling Haaland, making his World Cup debut and seen as a potential dark horse.
- Date / Time: June 16, 2026, 6pm EDT; 11pm BST
- Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
- Referee: Pierre Atcho (Gabon)
- TV: FOX, Telemundo (USA); BBC One (UK)
- Streaming: FOX One, Peacock (USA); BBC iPlayer (UK)
No Chelsea players feature on either squad. Antonio Nusa, once linked to Chelsea, now plays for RB Leipzig.
Argentina vs. Algeria
Argentina aims to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to defend the World Cup title. Seventeen players return from their last campaign, though Ángel Di María has retired internationally. Despite a surprising opening loss to Saudi Arabia in 2022, Argentina remains confident even if Algeria causes an upset.
- Date / Time: June 16, 2026, 9pm EDT; 2am BST next day
- Venue: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
- Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
- TV: FOX, Telemundo (USA); ITV 1 (UK)
- Streaming: FOX One, Peacock (USA); ITVx (UK)
Chelsea connections include Enzo Fernández and Valentín Barco, with Messi still a key presence.
Austria vs. Jordan
This matchup may fly under the radar but promises excitement. Austria impressed at the last Euros by reaching the round of 16, while Jordan finished runner-up in the 2023 Asian Cup. Jordan fields just one Europe-based player, adding intrigue.
- Date / Time: June 16, 2026, 9pm PDT; 5am BST next day
- Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
- Referee: Dahane Beida (Mauritania)
- TV: FOX Sports 1, Telemundo (USA); BBC One (UK)
- Streaming: FOX One, Peacock (USA); BBC iPlayer (UK)
Former Chelsea player Carney Chukwuemeka switched allegiance to Austria this year and has already appeared three times. He has enjoyed a healthy season at Borussia Dortmund, making 38 appearances.
