France, Argentina and Norway debut at the 2026 World Cup: see schedules for this Tuesday’s clashes (16/06)
The 2026 World Cup has great moments in store for this Tuesday, June 16, with the debut of teams full of global talent. The tournament, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will see fierce competition for groups I and J, promising clashes that highlight athletes from European and Asian leagues.
Football fans will have a full agenda, starting with the clash in New Jersey, where France, two-time world champion and with stars such as Mbappé, Dembélé, Doué and Olise, will face the Senegal team. Later, in Kansas City, Argentina, the current three-time champion, led by Lionel Messi, ends the day playing against Algeria. The night still foresees the confrontation between Iraq and Norway.
Complete schedule of Tuesday’s duels (16/06) and broadcast channels
Check below the details of the games scheduled for this Tuesday, with their respective times and options to follow live:
- 4pm: France x Senegal
Broadcast: TV Globo, sportv, Globoplay, ge.globo, SBT, NSports and Cazé TV
- 7pm: Iraq x Norway
Broadcast: Cazé TV
- 10pm: Argentina x Algeria
Broadcast: Cazé TV
Messi begins his sixth World Cup appearance with Argentina
The debut of a world tournament always presents challenges, but for Argentina, the scenario is even more complex as it is the current title holder. In their two previous experiences as reigning champions, the team did not win in the first match. The inaugural clash towards their possible fourth star will be against Algeria, in this team’s fifth appearance in the World Cup.
This game represents the start of Lionel Messi’s sixth World Cup, a historic feat that will be equaled by Cristiano Ronaldo when Portugal play on Wednesday. The Argentine team, which occupies the lead in the FIFA rankings, arrives motivated by recent achievements, such as the 2024 Copa América, won against Colombia, and the isolated leadership in the South American qualifiers, with just four defeats in eighteen clashes.
For the offensive sector, in addition to Messi, Lautaro Martínez and Thiago Almada are expected to form the front trio, according to findings from “TYC Sports”. However, the broadcaster reported that coach Lionel Scaloni showed some indecision during training last weekend, especially regarding the defensive composition and the general tactical scheme, although the inclination is towards a formation with four defenders.
Didier Deschamps’ statement on the strength of the French team at the World Cup
Despite having a squad full of talent from the most prestigious leagues, such as the Premier League and the Bundesliga, French coach Didier Deschamps was direct in positioning Spain as favorites for the 2026 World Cup title, marking the beginning of his last journey as team commander in the World Cup. On the same occasion, he reiterated France’s strong desire to achieve their third title, after finishing second in the Qatar edition in 2022.
France, which occupies third place in the FIFA rankings, guaranteed the availability of all 26 athletes called up for the final training session before heading to New York, the venue for their debut against Senegal in Group I. This means that crucial players such as forwards Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), Désiré Doué (PSG), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), as well as defenders William Saliba (Arsenal) and Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), are ready for the confrontation.
France’s qualification for its 17th World Cup was achieved with a dominant performance in group D of the European qualifiers, where the team recorded five wins, one draw and remained unbeaten.
On the other hand, the Senegal team, which also qualified undefeated, features outstanding players playing both in European football and in Asian leagues, such as Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal), Ibrahim Mbaye (Paris Saint-Germain), Nicolas Jackson (Bayern Munich) and Chérif Ndiaye (Samsunspor).
The role of immigrant athletes and the rise of the new generation in teams
Iraq is another team that stands out for the presence of players born in other nations, such as midfielder Marco Faraj, born in Norway. Norway itself, in turn, will have a group of four promising talents who will make their first appearance in the World Cup: Antonio Nusa, Martin Odegaard, Alexander Sorloth and Erling Haaland.
