World Cup 2026 continues on Tuesday as world champions Argentina begin the defence of their crown, after France kick things off against Senegal.
The likes of Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard will look to get Norway off on the right foot, before debutants Jordan take on Austria.
How to watch World Cup games today
France vs Senegal
Kick-off: 8pm BST
France will get the ball rolling on their 2026 World Cup campaign this evening, facing Senegal in New York. Winners in 2018, beaten finalists in 2022, what will this tournament have in store for what is widely considered to have the most talented, well-rounded squad on show.
Senegal were, until recently, AFCON champions. They beat Morocco on penalties in the final, but were stripped of the title in a courtroom months after the fact for leaving the field of play in protest against a refereeing decision.
That drama aside, the Lions of Teranga are a force to be reckoned with, and this squad is perhaps the strongest the nation has produced. The veteran Sadio Mane will lead them out, and he will be joined by Premier League talents Nicolas Jackson, Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye, among others.
What channel is France vs Senegal on? BBC One and iPlayer
Iraq vs Norway
Kick-off: 11pm BST
Norway will play World Cup football for the first time since 1998 this evening, as their squad chock full of Premier League talent, spearheaded by the talismanic Erling Haaland, as they take on Iraq.
Norway, if nothing else, are spoiled for striker talent. Joining Haaland up top are Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth and Crystal Palace’s Jorgen Strand Larsen, who will be keen to impress newly-appointed manager Pierre Sage. Elsewhere, Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard will pull the strings from midfield, with Brentford’s Kristoffer Ajer shoring up the back line.
Iraq’s prospects for this tournament are not terribly lofty. They won just one of three warm-up friendlies, beating Andorra before drawing with Spain and losing to Venezuela.
What channel is Iraq vs Norway on? BBC One and iPlayer
Argentina vs Algeria
Kick-off: 2am BST
World champions Argentina will tonight hope for a smoother start to their tournament than four years ago. Taking on Algeria in Kansas City overnight, Lionel Messi & Co. will look to avoid a repeat of their shock defeat to Saudi Arabia in Qatar four years ago.
Four weeks in the Gulf ended up with Argentina lifting the World Cup trophy for the third time, but that early wobble raised unwanted questions. Lionel Scaloni’s side are among the favourites to retain the title and become the first country since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back men’s global titles.
Messi, now 38 years old, is fit to play from the start after shaking off a fitness concern. The iconic No10 scored seven times during the tournament in Qatar, including twice in the final.
What channel is Argentina vs Algeria on? ITV and ITVX
Austria vs Jordan
Kick-off: 5am BST
Austria are back at the top table of world football for the first time in 28 years, and head into the tournament with high hopes after topping its Euro 2024 group ahead of both France and Netherlands, while boasting six wins from eight World Cup qualifiers.
With Argentina in their group, dropping points against the likes of debutants Jordan will likely prove costly as they look to reach the knockout stage.
Jordan are one of four nations competing in their first World Cup and will surely have been inspired by fellow debutant Cape Verde's 0-0 draw with Spain.
What channel is Austria vs Jordan on? BBC One and iPlayer
