The 2026 World Cup has already delivered its share of surprises. A 40-year-old goalkeeper from Cabo Verde pulled off the unthinkable. The USMNT got a breakthrough performance from Folarin Balogun. Brazil’s Vinícius Júnior reminded everyone why he’s box office. But let’s be honest — the tournament really starts today.
That’s because Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland — the three biggest names in world soccer — all make their 2026 debuts on Tuesday. It’s the kind of triple-header that makes even casual fans clear their schedules. Here’s what you need to know for Day 6.
France vs. Senegal — 3 p.m. ET, MetLife Stadium
On paper, France should roll. They’ve got the deepest roster in the tournament, and they’re coming off a 2018 title and a 2022 runner-up finish. But there’s a catch. History says the French are due for a meltdown.
Les Bleus are famously erratic. They won it all in 1998, then crashed out in the group stage in 2002. They made the final in 2006, then imploded in 2010. Now, with manager Didier Deschamps stepping down after this tournament and three of his best players — Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise — all competing for the same space on the pitch, the warning signs are there.
Senegal is no pushover, either. They’ve got pace and athleticism, and they’ll be desperate to prove they belong. According to oddsmakers, France is a heavy favorite at -215, but the betting public remembers how quickly this team can go off the rails.
Iraq vs. Norway — 6 p.m. ET, Gillette Stadium
This is the moment Erling Haaland has been waiting for his entire career. The Manchester City goal machine is making his World Cup debut — Norway hasn’t qualified since 1998. And he’s not alone. Martin Ødegaard pulls the strings in midfield, and players like Julian Ryerson and Antonio Nusa give Norway legitimate depth.
Iraq is a massive underdog (+1300), but they’ve shown fight in qualifying. Still, the story here is Haaland. He’s been the best pure scorer on the planet for years, and now he finally gets to prove it on the biggest stage. Norway is -475 to win, which feels about right — but the World Cup has a way of humbling even the most talented individuals.
Argentina vs. Algeria — 9 p.m. ET, Arrowhead Stadium
The defending champions take the field in Kansas City. Messi is back, now 38 years old, and the question hanging over this Argentina squad is simple: do they have another run in them?
The Curse of the Champions is real. Before France’s run in 2022, the previous three defending champs — Germany, Spain, and Italy — all failed to escape the group stage. Argentina brings back 17 players from the 2022 squad, which means continuity but also age. The core is now in its late 20s to mid-30s.
Algeria is no joke. They’re athletic, organized, and have nothing to lose. Argentina is -225 to win, but if the history of recent World Cups tells us anything, it’s that betting against the champ isn’t always a bad idea.
Messi during training ahead of Argentina’s 2026 World Cup opener.
What to Watch For
Three big storylines: Will France’s chemistry hold up? Can Haaland deliver under the brightest lights? And is Argentina about to become another victim of the champions’ curse? Day 6 answers all of those questions — or raises a few new ones.
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