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Matchday six of the 2026 FIFA World Cup features one of the most anticipated rosters of the entire group stage, with Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland all set to make their debut in the competition on Tuesday. France opens against Senegal at New York New Jersey Stadium, Argentina begins its title defense against Algeria in Kansas City and Norway introduces Haaland at the World Cup stage against Iraq in Boston. All four games on Tuesday are broadcast live on FOX and broadcast 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.
World Cup program for Tuesday June 16
France versus Senegal
Player to watch – Kylian Mbappé: Considered one of the best players of his generation (ranked No. 2 in our Top World Cup Players), the French striker is on most experts’ shortlist to win the Ballon d’Or, the World Cup Golden Shoe, or both. The common criticism of Mbappé in recent years has been his effectiveness as a goalscorer, as he has wasted many of his opportunities despite continuing to score goals in droves. This was the case during France’s two friendly matches before the World Cup. He had six shots against Northern Ireland and didn’t score. Against Ivory Coast, he only had one shot saved.
Mbappé could benefit from a good start during this World Cup to get into the rhythm of the round of 16. But if he continues to play without scoring, frustration could set in.
Norway vs. Iraq
Player to watch – Erling Haaland: Thanks to how good the 25-year-old Haaland is at club level, he will finally have the opportunity to play in a major international tournament with Norway, like his father, Alf-Inge Håland, did for Norway at the 1994 World Cup in the United States. Haaland (ranked No. 6 among 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 some elite players but is not particularly deep. For the team to make a deep run, its star players will need to 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 win his 200th cap for Argentina by participating in this match. He won the national championship for each of his clubs: Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. He has won the World Cup, Copa América, Olympics, U-20 World Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
At 38, Messi is battling Father Time in impressive fashion (ranked #16 among 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 the Austrian attack at 37 years old. Now with Red Star Belgrade, who he joined in 2025, Arnautović is the national team’s most capped player and all-time goalscorer. But unlike these other players, Arnautović will be playing in his first World Cup. He is known for his powerful style and strong hold-up game. In 2025, he scored eight goals in nine matches for Austria.
Austria has ambitious goals this summer and Arnautović plays a vital role in those efforts.
How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup
All World Cup matches are broadcast in English on FOX and FS1 in the United States, with each match broadcast live and on demand on FOX One.
