2026 World Cup Day 6 Preview: France Faces Senegal, Iraq Meets Norway, Argentina Battles Algeria, Austria Takes on Jordan
France, last tournament's runners-up and two-time champions in recent decades, experiences a rollercoaster World Cup history. They either shine or stumble badly. Remember the shock loss to Senegal in 2002? Senegal then went on to the quarterfinals, showing their strength. Four years ago, Senegal reached the Round of 16, and earlier this year, they won the Africa Cup of Nations before having the title revoked due to administrative reasons. This team still arrives with skill and determination.
Date / Time: Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 3pm EDT; 8pm BSTVenue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ, USAReferee: Alireza Faghani (Iran)TV & Streaming: FOX, Telemundo (USA); BBC One (UK); FOX One, Peacock (USA); BBC iPlayer (UK)
Chelsea fans will watch closely as Malo Gusto continues to earn his minutes for France under Didier Deschamps, a former Chelsea player. N’Golo Kanté has returned to form after moving on loan from Saudi Arabia to Fenerbahçe. On Senegal's side, ex-Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly and goalkeeper Édouard Mendy stand out. Nicolas Jackson, known for unpredictability, and Mamadou Sarr add intrigue.
Iraq Versus Norway
Iraq's sole previous World Cup appearance was back in 1986, where they lost all matches. Norway’s track record includes a 1998 Round of 16 spot but little else recently. This tournament marks Erling Haaland’s first World Cup, making Norway a dark horse to watch.
Date / Time: Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 6pm EDT; 11pm BSTVenue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA, USAReferee: Pierre Atcho (Gabon)TV & Streaming: FOX, Telemundo (USA); BBC One (UK); FOX One, Peacock (USA); BBC iPlayer (UK)
No current or former Chelsea players feature on these teams. Chelsea once pursued Norway’s Antonio Nusa in 2023 but he remained with RB Leipzig for now.
Argentina Faces Algeria
Argentina aims to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups. They bring back 17 players from their last campaign. Ángel Di María has retired from international play, but Lionel Messi remains a key presence. Argentina stumbled early in 2022, losing to Saudi Arabia, so they're unlikely to panic if Algeria challenges them here.
Date / Time: Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 9pm EDT; 2am BST (next day)Venue: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO, USAReferee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)TV & Streaming: FOX, Telemundo (USA); ITV 1 (UK); FOX One, Peacock (USA); ITVx (UK)
Chelsea connections include Enzo Fernández and Valentín Barco, though Barco is not officially a Chelsea player yet. Messi’s presence adds star power.
Austria Battles Jordan
This pairing might surprise viewers with entertainment. Austria impressed at the last Euros by reaching the Round of 16. Jordan were runners-up at the 2023 Asian Cup, narrowly losing to Qatar. Jordan fields just one Europe-based player, adding to the intrigue.
Date / Time: Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 9pm PDT; 5am BST (next day)Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA, USAReferee: Dahane Beida (Mauritania)TV & Streaming: FOX Sports 1, Telemundo (USA); BBC One (UK); FOX One, Peacock (USA); BBC iPlayer (UK)
Former Chelsea man Carney Chukwuemeka switched allegiance to Austria this year. Born in Vienna before growing up in England, he has played three times for Austria and had a solid season with Borussia Dortmund, staying healthy and active.
