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Day 6 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivers one of the most anticipated slates of the entire group stage, with Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland all set to make their tournament debuts on Tuesday. France open against Senegal at the New York New Jersey Stadium, Argentina begins its title defense against Algeria in Kansas City, and Norway introduces Haaland to the World Cup stage against Iraq in Boston. All four of Tuesday’s games will be broadcast live on FOX and streamed on FOX One.
Here’s everything you need to know about today’s World Cup schedule, including match times, TV channels and where to watch them.
WC program for Tuesday 16 June
France vs Senegal
Player to watch – Kylian Mbappé: Considered one of the best players of his generation (ranked No. 2 in our Best World Cup Players), the French striker is on most pundits’ shortlist to win the World Cup’s Golden Ball, Golden Boot or both. The common criticism of Mbappé in recent years has been his scoring efficiency, as he has wasted many of his opportunities despite still scoring in droves. That was how it was in France’s two friendlies before the World Cup. He had six shots against Northern Ireland and did not score. Against the Ivory Coast, he had only one shot saved.
Mbappé could use a strong start to this World Cup to get into a rhythm for the knockout stages. But if he continues to play games without scoring, frustration may set in.
Norway vs Iraq
Player to watch – Erling Haaland: With how good Haaland, 25, has been at club level, he will finally get the opportunity to play in a major international tournament with Norway, just as his father, Alf-Inge Håland, did for Norway at the 1994 World Cup in the United States. Haaland (ranked No. 6 in our best World Cup players) was the top scorer in UEFA World Cup qualifying with 16 goals and he now enters this tournament as a contender for the Golden Boot.
Norway has elite players, but is not particularly deep. For the team to make a deep run, its star players must play well, and that starts with Haaland.
Argentina vs Algeria
Player to watch – Lionel Messi: As one of the legendary players of all time, Messi will earn his 200th cap for Argentina when he plays in this match. He has won the domestic league for each of his clubs: Barcelona, Paris Saint0Germain and Inter Miami. He has won the World Cup, Copa América, Olympics, U-20 World Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
At the age of 38, Messi is battling Father Time in impressive fashion (ranked 16th in our best World Cup players). All eyes will be on him to see how he begins what could likely be his last major international tournament.
Austria vs. Jordan
Player to watch – Marko Arnautović: In a World Cup that features many aging stars such as Lionel Messi, Luka Modrić, Cristiano Ronaldo and Edin Džeko, Arnautović remains the undisputed leader of Austria’s attack at the age of 37. Now with Red Star Belgrade, who he joined in 2025, Arnautović is the national team’s top scorer and all-time scorer. But unlike the other players, Arnautović will be playing in his first World Cup. He is known for his powerful style and his strong hold-up game. In 2025, he scored eight goals in nine appearances for Austria.
Austria have ambitious goals this summer and Arnautović is a critical part of those efforts.
How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup
All World Cup matches are broadcast in English on FOX and FS1 in the US, and every match is streamed live and on demand on FOX One.
