France vs Senegal
France and Senegal kick off the slate at 3 p.m. ET from East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Fox. France enters as a heavy favorite at minus 220, with Senegal at plus 600 and a tie listed at plus 340.
The 2022 World Cup runners-up, champions in 2018, return under departing manager Didier Deschamps with another deep roster and remain among the favorites this summer. Former 2018 winner Paul Pogba said the 2026 squad looks stronger than the side that reached the final in Russia.
Yeah. I think everybody sees them as favorites. They have to [be]. They have probably the best players in the world. But obviously, that is not enough to win a World Cup, and there is more pressure on them. They have to keep the standard as high as possible.
Senegal shocked France 1-0 in the opening game of the 2002 World Cup. The Lions of Teranga have reached the quarterfinals in 2002 and the Round of 16 in Qatar in 2022 across three appearances. Points will matter early with a rising Norway also in the group.
Norway vs Iraq
Norway faces Iraq at 6 p.m. ET in Boston on Fox. Norway is listed at minus 550, Iraq at plus 1300, and a tie at plus 600.
The Røde, Hvite, Blå are back at the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, led by Haaland, with Martin Ødegaard and Alexander Sørloth among a golden generation carrying high expectations. Anything short of advancing to the Round of 32 could be viewed as a major disappointment.
Iraq is still seeking its first World Cup point after going winless in three matches at Mexico 1986, its only prior appearance. The Lions of Mesopotamia needed 21 qualifying matches to reach this stage, boosted by Aymen Hussein's nine qualifying goals and a defensive block built to limit Haaland.
Argentina vs Algeria
Reigning champions Argentina meet Algeria at 9 p.m. ET in Kansas City, Missouri, on Fox. Argentina is favored at minus 260, Algeria at plus 750, and a tie at plus 360.
Lionel Scaloni's side opens its title defense looking for a stronger start than 2022, when Argentina lost its opener to Saudi Arabia. Whether this run marks Lionel Messi's final games in an Argentina shirt remains to be seen. Golden Glove winner Emiliano Martínez returns in goal after recovering from a fractured ring finger on his right hand and only resumed training with both gloves late last week.
Algeria reached the Round of 16 at Brazil 2014 but missed the next two World Cups. The Fennecs are back, though veteran defender Ramy Bensebaini will miss the opening match through injury. Algeria has set up base camp in Lawrence, Kansas.
