Argentina, France kick out off 2026 World Cup campaigns as matchday 6 takes centre stage

The 2026 FIFA World Cup enters a new phase on Tuesday as defending champions Argentina and 2022 finalists France begin their respective group-stage campaigns, headlining an action-packed Matchday 6 across the United States.

With the expanded 48-team tournament gathering momentum, football fans around the world will turn their attention to two of the competition’s biggest stars, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, as they lead their nations into the opening round of Group I and Group J fixtures.

Argentina Begin Title Defence Against Algeria

Argentina will launch their quest for a second consecutive World Cup title when they face Algeria in a Group J encounter at Kansas City Stadium.

The South American giants arrive in the tournament carrying the weight of expectations after lifting the trophy in Qatar four years ago. Captain Lionel Messi is expected to spearhead the campaign as Argentina seek to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title.

Algeria, meanwhile, will look to upset the odds and make a strong statement against one of the tournament favourites in their opening fixtures.

In Group I, France will take on Senegal at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford in a fixture rich with World Cup history.

The match revives memories of the 2002 World Cup, when Senegal stunned defending champions France with a famous victory in Seoul. Led by captain Kylian Mbappé, Les Bleus will be eager to avoid a repeat of that disappointment and begin their campaign with a convincing result.

France enter the tournament among the favourites to challenge for the title after finishing runners-up at the 2022 World Cup.

Also on Tuesday, Iraq will face Norway in Group I at Boston Stadium. The match is expected to attract significant attention as Norway striker Erling Haaland prepares for his World Cup debut, while Iraq make their first appearance at the tournament in four decades.

The day’s final match will see Austria take on tournament debutants Jordan in a Group J clash at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.

Matchday 6 Schedule

France vs Senegal – Group I – New York New Jersey Stadium – 3:00 p.m. EST

Iraq vs Norway – Group I – Boston Stadium – 6:00 p.m. EST

Argentina vs Algeria – Group J – Kansas City Stadium – 9:00 p.m. EST

Austria vs Jordan – Group J – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium – 12:00 a.m. EST (June 17)

With several title contenders and emerging nations set to take the field, Matchday 6 promises to deliver some of the tournament’s most anticipated contests so far, as teams begin their pursuit of a place in the knockout rounds.