World Cup today: France face Iraq and will there be more Messi magic?

FootballSports
22 Jun 2026 • 9:40 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

World Cup today: France face Iraq and will there be more Messi magic?

  • Argentina and Austria, both having won their opening matches, will compete in a pivotal Group J fixture at 6pm BST (1pm ET) at Dallas Stadium, with the winner effectively securing a place in the Round of 32.
  • The match is anticipated to be a tactical battle, as Austria's rigid defensive structure attempts to contain Argentina’s creative frontline featuring none other than Lionel Messi.
  • In Group I, France will play Iraq at 10pm BST (5pm ET) at Philadelphia Stadium, with France looking to build on their comfortable opening win and Iraq aiming for a major World Cup upset.
  • Early on Tuesday morning UK time, Norway faces Senegal in the other Group I match at 1am BST (8pm Monday ET) time at the New York New Jersey Stadium, a game where Senegal desperately needs points to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
  • The second matchday for Group J concludes at 4am BST (11pm Monday ET) with Jordan playing Algeria at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, a critical 'do-or-die' encounter for both teams after suffering defeats in their initial games.

IN FULL