France and Argentina take top billing

Althea Santos3 days ago · 91 views

France and Argentina take top billing image

Argentina launch title defence against Algeria, while 2022 runners-up France face Senegal
Iraq scratch 40-year itch against Haaland's Norway, with Austria awaiting debutants Jordan
See the full FIFA World Cup 2026 match schedule

Matchday 6 at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ presents four appetising fixtures – headlined by defending champions Argentina and Qatar 2022 finalists France – with a host of fascinating sub-plots involving teams less familiar with the global stage.

France take on Senegal in a Group I curtain-raiser with echoes of the West Africans' win over Les Bleus in their World Cup opener in Seoul 24 years ago. Similar stakes here, but the venue this time is New York New Jersey Stadium.

Later, Erling Haaland is set to line up for his World Cup debut with a Norway side competing at this level for the first time since 1998. Stepping out alongside them at Boston Stadium, for their first match at the finals in four decades, Iraq will be making up for even more lost time.

The action continues as Lionel Messi-led Argentina launch their title defence at Kansas City Stadium against two-time African champions Algeria in Group J. Then it will be the turn of Austria, following a 28-year absence, to write a new chapter in their World Cup story against debutants and AFC Asian Cup 2023 finalists Jordan at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.

Appetite whetted? Learn more about the matches and teams below. All kick-off times are local.