World Cup: Can Senegal stun France again? Predictions, schedule on Day 6 | World Cup 2026
World Cup 2026: Argentina and France Launch Campaigns on Day 6
The World Cup 2026 entered its sixth day as tournament powerhouses Argentina and France began their campaigns on Tuesday.
France, the 2018 World Cup champions, will face Senegal at New York New Jersey Stadium in a rematch of their memorable opening match in 2002. Meanwhile, reigning champions Argentina will go head-to-head with Algeria at Kansas City Stadium in Missouri. Also scheduled for Tuesday is a Group I match where Norway returns to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, taking on Iraq, as well as a meeting between Austria and Jordan in San Francisco.
Beyond the matches, Cape Verde is celebrating its historic 0-0 draw with Spain, while Iraqi fans express a blend of happiness and frustration over their team’s return to the tournament.
Tuesday’s Match Schedule
On Tuesday, four teams will kick off their World Cup journeys:
- France vs. Senegal: 3 PM ET (19:00 GMT) at New York New Jersey Stadium
- Norway vs. Iraq: 6 PM ET (22:00 GMT) at Boston Stadium in Massachusetts
- Argentina vs. Algeria: 8 PM ET (01:00 GMT Wednesday) at Kansas City Stadium
- Austria vs. Jordan: 9 PM ET (04:00 GMT Wednesday) at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
France vs. Senegal Predictions
France, currently ranked third by FIFA, is among the favorites to win the tournament. However, Senegal, sitting at 16th, is expected to provide a formidable challenge. Their last encounter at the World Cup was in 2002 when Senegal shocked the defending champions with a 1-0 victory.
Analytical predictions from Opta give France a 64.8% chance of winning, while Senegal’s odds sit at 14.9% and a draw is estimated at 20.3%.
Norway vs. Iraq Predictions
Tuesday will mark the inaugural World Cup meeting between Norway and Iraq. Norway, returning to the tournament after a lengthy absence, enters the match with aspirations of success. According to Opta, Norway is favored with a 77.4% chance of victory, while Iraq’s likelihood of an upset is pegged at 8.6%.
Argentina vs. Algeria Predictions
Argentina and Algeria have not faced each other in a World Cup match, although Argentina won a friendly in 2007. Historical performance favors Argentina, who has triumphed in their last six World Cup matches against African teams. Opta’s predictions favor Argentina with a 68.2% chance of winning, while Algeria is given a 13.2% chance and a draw is estimated at 18.6%.
Austria vs. Jordan Predictions
Austria, ranked 25th in FIFA standings, is considered the favorite against 64th-ranked Jordan. Opta’s predictions grant Austria a 70.3% chance to win, with Jordan’s upset chances at 12.9%.
Additional World Cup Updates
In celebrations from Cape Verde’s draw with Spain, fans expressed pride in their country’s historic achievement, while goalkeeper Vozinha gained significant social media attention, increasing his Instagram followers from 50,000 to nearly 5 million.
In contrast, Saudi Arabia’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay featured a late equalizer from Uruguay, leaving Group H tightly contested.
However, Tunisia has made waves by parting ways with coach Sabri Lamouchi following a heavy defeat to Sweden.
Norwegian fans introduced a “Viking row” celebration, while the team’s imagery, shared by Erling Haaland, has quickly become a topic of discussion.
Lastly, FIFA cleared VAR official Shaun Evans of any wrongdoing related to allegations of inappropriate gestures, asserting that no evidence of a disciplinary breach was found.
For many Iraqis, the team’s World Cup qualification is a rare source of joy amid ongoing challenges, provoking sentiments of unity despite frustrations regarding attendance restrictions for fans.
