World Cup Match Day 6: Messi, Mbappé, Haaland Headline Star-Studded Slate

Tuesday is one of the most star-studded days in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kylian Mbappé and France begin the day by taking on one of Africa’s best teams in Senegal. The second game features Erling Haaland and Norway beginning their tournament run when they face Iraq. 

Then Lionel Messi and Argentina begin their title defense against an Algerian team that enters the tournament playing great soccer. Finally, one of the most improved European teams in Austria looks to continue to impress in its opener when it faces Jordan. 

Here is all you need to know for the big day. 

France vs. Senegal: How To Watch

When: Tuesday, June 16, 3 p.m. ET 
Where: New York/New Jersey 
TV: FOX
Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One

Group I gets underway on Tuesday when pre-tournament favorite France opens its World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium with a difficult test against one of Africa’s best teams in Senegal. 

France is remarkably deep and talented at every position and the team’s expectation is to lift every trophy possible. But the team has come up short in its last two major tournaments. At the 2022 World Cup final, France painfully lost to Argentina on penalties. At Euro 2024, France fell to eventual champions Spain 2-1 in the semifinal round. 

Under head coach Didier Deschamps, France strolled through World Cup qualifying without a loss, outscoring opponents 16-4 over six games.  

Kylian Mbappé is eyeing a third straight World Cup final appearance. (Getty)

It is hard to find a weakness in France as Ibrahima Konaté and Willian Saliba likely make up the best central defensive pairing at this tournament. The midfield trio of Aurelien Tchouameni, N’Golo Kante, and Adrien Rabiot are all well established at