The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues with another exciting day of football as some of the tournament’s biggest names finally begin their campaigns. World Cup 2026 Day 6 Schedule features three highly anticipated matches on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, with France taking on Senegal, Norway facing Iraq, and defending champions Argentina meeting Algeria.
All eyes will be on Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi as three of world football’s biggest stars look to make an immediate impact. While France and Argentina enter as favorites, Senegal and Algeria have enough quality to cause problems, making this one of the most intriguing matchdays of the group stage.
Today’s World Cup 2026 Schedule
Here is today’s World Cup 2026 Day 6 Match Schedule & Details
| Matchup | Group | Kick-off Time (US Eastern) | Stadium & Location | TV Channel (US) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| France vs Senegal | Group I | 3:00 PM ET | MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ) | FOX / Telemundo |
| Iraq vs Norway | Group I | 6:00 PM ET | Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA) | FOX |
| Argentina vs Algeria | Group J | 9:00 PM ET | Kansas City Stadium (Kansas City, MO) | FOX |
These matches open Group I and Group J action and could play a huge role in determining who advances to the knockout rounds.
Latest Team News
France vs Senegal
France arrive with one of the strongest squads in the tournament. Kylian Mbappé remains the headline name, while Michael Olise, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga and William Saliba provide quality across the pitch. France are among the favorites to win the World Cup and will be expected to start strongly.
Senegal, however, know how to upset France on the World Cup stage. Coach Pape Thiaw has spoken about the significance of this fixture, and Senegal’s squad still features a blend of pace, athleticism and experience capable of challenging any opponent.
Iraq vs Norway
Norway return to the World Cup with enormous excitement surrounding Erling Haaland. The Manchester City striker was one of the top scorers during qualification and will be supported by Martin Ødegaard, Alexander Sørloth and Antonio Nusa. Many believe Norway could become one of the surprise teams of the tournament
Iraq have fought their way back onto football’s biggest stage and will look to frustrate Norway with a disciplined defensive approach. Aymen Hussein remains their biggest attacking threat heading into the opener.
Argentina vs Algeria
Defending champions Argentina begin another World Cup journey carrying huge expectations. Lionel Messi remains the face of the team, while Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister provide quality throughout the squad. Argentina will be looking to make an early statement in Group J.
Algeria have enough talent to make life difficult for any opponent. Riyad Mahrez’s experience and leadership could prove vital as Algeria attempt to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the group stage.
World Cup 2026 Day 6 Predicted Starting XI
On Day 6 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 (Tuesday, June 16, 2026), the predicted starting XIs of tournament favorites France and Argentina are both set for their much-anticipated debuts.
France vs Senegal Predicted Starting XI
- France (4-3-3): Mike Maignan; Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Ibrahima Konaté, Theo Hernández; Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, Adrien Rabiot; Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé. France Full Squad
- Sénégal (4-3-3): Édouard Mendy; Youssouf Sabaly, Kalidou Koulibaly, Abdou Diallo, Ismail Jakobs; Pape Gueye, Nampalys Mendy, Pape Matar Sarr; Ismaïla Sarr, Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye.
Iraq vs Norway Predicted Starting XI
- Iraq (4-2-3-1): Jalal Hassan; Hussein Ali, Rebin Sulaka, Ali Adnan, Frans Putros; Osama Rashid, Amjad Attwan; Ibrahim Bayesh, Ali Jasim, Zidane Iqbal; Aymen Hussein.
- Norway (4-3-3): Ørjan Nyland; Julian Ryerson, Leo Østigård, Andreas Hanche-Olsen, Birger Meling; Martin Ødegaard, Patrick Berg, Thelo Aasgaard; Antonio Nusa, Erling Haaland, Alexander Sørloth. Norway Full Squad
Argentina vs Algeria Predicted Starting XI
- Argentina (4-3-3): Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul; Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, Nicolás González. Argentina Full Squad
- Algeria (4-2-3-1): Anthony Mandrea; Youcef Atal, Aïssa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaini, Jaouen Hadjam; Ismaël Bennacer, Hicham Boudaoui; Riyad Mahrez, Farès Chaïbi, Saïd Benrahma; Baghdad Bounedjah.
Who Will Win Today?
France vs Senegal Prediction
France have greater depth and attacking firepower, but Senegal possesses enough quality to make this competitive. Mbappé could be the difference in a tight contest.
- Prediction: France 2-1 Senegal
Iraq vs Norway Prediction
Norway’s attacking trio led by Erling Haaland, should create plenty of chances. Iraq are likely to defend deep, but Norway’s quality may eventually shine through.
- Prediction: Iraq 0-2 Norway
Argentina vs Algeria Prediction
Argentina have more experience, more creativity and more big-game players. Algeria can be dangerous on the counterattack, but the world champions should have enough to take all three points.
- Prediction: Argentina 3-1 Algeria
Day 6 Winner Picks
✅ France to beat Senegal
✅ Norway to beat Iraq
✅ Argentina to beat Algeria
World Cup 2026 Day 6 delivers star power, World Cup history and several fascinating tactical battles. With Mbappé, Haaland and Messi all in action, fans can expect one of the most entertaining matchdays of the tournament so far.
