FIFA World Cup 2026 Matches Today: Messi’s Argentina Face Algeria, Mbappe’s France Begin Campaign, Haaland’s Norway in Action

The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues with four exciting matches on June 16, featuring some of football’s biggest stars. Lionel Messi’s Argentina begin their title defense against Algeria, while Kylian Mbappe’s France start their campaign against Senegal. Norway, led by Erling Haaland, also return to football’s biggest stage against Iraq after a long absence.

Austria and Jordan will close out the day in another important group-stage clash.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Matches Today: Full Schedule

Here is the full schedule for today’s FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, including kick-off times and venues:

France vs Senegal

Time: 12:30 a.m. IST Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford

Iraq vs Norway

Time: 3:30 a.m. IST Venue: Boston Stadium, Foxborough

Argentina vs Algeria

Time: 6:30 a.m. IST Venue: Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City

Austria vs Jordan

Time: 9:30 a.m. IST Venue: San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Santa Clara

France vs Senegal: Can Mbappé Lead Les Bleus to a Winning Start?

France begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Senegal at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford.

Kylian Mbappe will once again carry huge expectations after helping France reach the previous two World Cup finals. Senegal, led by Sadio Mane, are expected to provide a difficult test and will look to start their campaign with an upset.

Predicted Lineups

France:Mike Maignan, Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Theo Hernandez, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe, Marcus ThuramSenegal: Edouard Mendy, Youssouf Sabaly, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhate, Ismail Jakobs, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Nampalys Mendy, Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye, Sadio Mane, Boulaye Dia

Team News

France head into the tournament as one of the favorites after reaching the previous two World Cup finals.

Mbappe will once again carry expectations for Les Bleus as they look to begin strongly at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford.Senegal, meanwhile, will depend on Sadio Mane’s experience and leadership. The African side has built a reputation for competing strongly in major tournaments and could challenge France.

Key Players to Watch

Kylian MbappeSadio ManeAntoine Griezmann

Prediction

France vs Senegal:France look stronger on paper and have more experience at the highest level, but Senegal have enough quality to stay competitive and make things difficult during key moments of the match.

Iraq vs Norway: All Eyes on Erling Haaland

Norway return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time this century and much of the attention will be on Erling Haaland. The match against Iraq at Boston Stadium in Foxborough gives the striker a chance to make an immediate impact on football’s biggest stage. Iraq, meanwhile, are back in the tournament for the first time since 1986.

Predicted Lineups

Iraq: Jalal Hassan, Hussein Ali, Ali Faez, Ammar Mohammed, Ali Adnan, Osama Rashid, Mohammad Qasim, Ibrahim Bayesh, Sherko Karim, Ali Jasim, Aymen HusseinNorway: Orjan Nyland, Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Stefan Strandberg, David Moller Wolfe, Sander Berge, Odegaard, Morten Thorsby, Oscar Bobb, Erling Haaland, Alexander Sorloth

Team News

Norway return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time this century, with Erling Haaland finally ready to make his tournament debut.

The match against Iraq will take place at Boston Stadium in Foxborough.Iraq are back in the World Cup for the first time since 1986 and will hope striker Aymen Hussein can make an impact against a strong Norwegian side.

Key Players to Watch

Erling HaalandMartin OdegaardAymen Hussein

Prediction

Iraq vs Norway:Norway appear better placed to begin with a win, especially with Erling Haaland leading the attack, while Iraq may struggle to deal with the pressure and attacking movement.

Argentina vs Algeria: Can Messi and the Defending Champions Begin With Victory?

Argentina begin their title defense against Algeria at Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, with Lionel Messi once again expected to lead from the front. Algeria enter the match with confidence and several experienced players who could challenge the defending champions.

Predicted Lineups

Argentina: Emiliano Martinez, Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Tagliafico, De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Mac Allister, Messi, Julian Alvarez, Di MariaAlgeria: Mandrea, Atal, Mandi, Tougai, Ait-Nouri; Bennacer, Zerrouki, Feghouli, Mahrez, Gouiri, Slimani

Team News

Defending champions Argentina begin another World Cup journey with Lionel Messi still at the center of attention.

Argentina face Algeria at Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, hoping to avoid an early upset.Algeria arrive with confidence and a squad featuring several Europe-based players. Riyad Mahrez will be expected to lead the attack and create chances.

Key Players to Watch

Lionel MessiRiyad MahrezJulian Alvarez

Prediction

Argentina vs Algeria:Argentina are expected to control the game for long periods, and Lionel Messi’s experience could make the difference as the defending champions push for a confident opening result.

Players to Watch Across Today's FIFA World Cup 2026 Matches

Kylian Mbappe: France’s captain remains one of football’s biggest stars and will be expected to lead from the front.Erling Haaland: Norway’s striker finally gets his chance to play at a FIFA World Cup.Lionel Messi: The Argentina captain continues to guide the defending champions.Sadio Mane: Senegal’s experienced forward will play an important role against France.Riyad Mahrez: Algeria’s captain could be key if the team hopes to challenge Argentina.

How to Watch Today's FIFA World Cup 2026 Matches Live

Fans in the United States can watch France vs Senegal, Iraq vs Norway, and Argentina vs Algeria live on Fox and Telemundo. Austria vs Jordan, taking place at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, will be available on FS1 and Telemundo.All matches will stream live on Fox One, while Peacock will provide Spanish-language streaming coverage.

Predictions: Which Teams Will Start With Three Points?

France and Argentina are favored to win their matches given they have better lineups and more experience. Norway are also tipped to start with a win, particularly with Haaland up front.Austria might get some challenges against Jordan but they still look poised to open the competition with all three points.