This World Cup is shaping up to be a truly memorable tournament as it keeps serving up history with the likes of Cape Verde and Curaçao … but also with the likes of Egypt, for example, getting their first ever win at a World Cup. Mo Salah’s finally got himself a World Cup goal in the process, fittingly proving to be the winning goal in their 3-1 triumph over New Zealand. And though Spain shook off their opening game disappointment to romp to a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia (Marc Cucurella almost getting one
of the goals before it was credited to Own Goal instead), Belgium’s disappointing tournament continues with yet another draw (scoreless against Iran) while Cape Verde just continue to shock, holding Uruguay to a 2-2 draw.
And today we get a second round of Messi and Mbappé and Haaland, oh my. Messi’s next goal will make him the all-time leader in World Cup goals. Can he make history?
ARGENTINA vs. AUSTRIA
Unlike in 2022, Argentina got off to a good start this time with a 3-0 win over Algeria — and Messi’s hat-trick obviously dominated the headlines — but Austria acquitted themselves quite well in their opening match as well, beating Jordan, 3-1. Expect them to put up a decent challenge against the defending champions.
Date / Time: Monday, June 22, 2026, 1pm EDT; 6pm BST
Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX, USA
Referee: Amin Omar (Egypt
On TV: FOX, Telemundo (USA); BBC One (UK); elsewhere
Streaming online: FOX One, Peacock (USA); BBC iPlayer (UK)
Chelsea interest: Enzo Fernández continues to be a key player for Argentina, and he played every minute in the first game. Valentín Barco was an unused substitute in that game. Meanwhile, former Chelsea youngster Carney Chukwuemeka came off to bench for Austria in the first game to put in a solid shift.
FRANCE vs. IRAQ
For most of the first half of their first game, it felt like France would suffer a repeat of 2002. But, unlike 24 years ago, this time their individual quality shone through against Senegal, eventually running out 3-1 winners. Iraq meanwhile put up a good fight against Norway, but that wasn’t enough against the towering horde and Erling Haaland specifically.
Date / Time: Monday, June 22, 2026, 5pm EDT; 10pm BST
Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Referee: Drew Fischer (Canada)
On TV: FOX, Telemundo (USA); BBC One (UK); elsewhere
Streaming online: FOX One, Peacock (USA); BBC iPlayer (UK)
Chelsea interest: Jules Koundé started at right back instead of Malo Gusto, and with Didier Deschamps making just two changes, Gusto ended up being an unused substitute in the first game. I’d imagine he might be in line for some minutes in this one however.
NORWAY vs. SENEGAL
Senegal played well for decent stretches of the game against France, but came away with absolutely nothing to show for it. They’ll need to do better here, to have a good chance of advancing to the knockout rounds.
Unlike Senegal, Norway lived up to the hype in their first game, with their physical size in particular proving to be a tough matchup challenge.
Date / Time: Monday, June 22, 2026, 8pm EDT; 1am BST (next day)
Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ, USA
Referee: Wilton Sampaio (Brazil)
On TV: FOX, Telemundo (USA); ITV 1 (UK); elsewhere
Streaming online: FOX One, Peacock (USA); ITVx (UK)
Chelsea interest: Nicolas Jackson came close to scoring a few times against France, but got a bit unlucky, first hitting the post then seeing a great strike chalked off for offside. Just a step too soon! But otherwise it was a good performance from the striker who may be looking for a second chance at Chelsea.
JORDAN vs. ALGERIA
Both teams are in desperate need of points, and a draw is unlikely to do either of them any favors. So hopefully we get a nice, open, entertaining game from these two relatively unknown teams (other than the few obvious big stars on Algeria).
Date / Time: Monday, June 22, 2026, 11pm EDT; 4am BST
Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA, USA
Referee: Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia)
On TV: FOX Sports 1, Telemundo (USA); ITV 1 (UK); elsewhere
Streaming online: FOX One, Peacock (USA); ITVx (UK)
Chelsea interest: None
