One criticism of the expanded World Cup format is that it generates very few heavyweight clashes in the group stage. Group I, however, may be the exception that proves the rule as this tournament’s designated Group of Death.
France face Senegal in a rematch of the 2002 opener that produced one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history at the time. The Lions of Teranga have come a long way since then and have the talent to beat Les Bleus in Didier Deschamps’ final tournament.
Argentina will also start their title defence against Algeria while Norway, widely tipped as dark horses following a flawless qualification campaign, get under way against Iraq, the final team to qualify for this World Cup.
Here is your complete guide on how to watch today’s World Cup games, including kick-off times, broadcast networks, and online streaming options.
Complete guide to all the players | A visual guide to every stadium | Standings | Golden Boot leaders
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France v Senegal
Time (ET): 3pm
Stadium: New York New Jersey Stadium
How to watch
United States: FOX / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)
Canada: TSN (Stream)
United Kingdom: BBC / ITV (Stream)
Australia: SBS (Stream)
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What to watch for
France’s attack looks like being the strongest at this World Cup. However, Deschamps must find a way to fit Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola and Rayan Cherki into the same forward line, and he must do so without Antoine Griezmann, the glue who held Les Bleus together for years.
Senegal enter this tournament with a point to prove after their African Cup of Nations title was controversially stripped from them. In what could be Sadio Mané’s final World Cup, The Lions of Teranga could be a factor in the latter rounds, especially if they can start their group campaign on a positive note.
Player to watch: Kylian Mbappé, France - Only five players have scored more World Cup goals than Mbappé who for all the debate about his dressing room compatibility at club level could be the defining figure of this tournament for France.
What to read
France are stacked with talent but memories of Senegal’s 2002 upset still linger
‘We are knocking on the door’: Africa’s 10 contenders target World Cup glory
Iraq v Norway
Time (ET): 6pm
Stadium: Boston Stadium
How to watch
United States: FOX / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)
Canada: TSN (Stream)
United Kingdom: BBC / ITV (Stream)
Australia: SBS (Stream)
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What to watch for
Is the hype around Norway real? We’ll get our first hint of an answer as Erling Haaland and co. start their first World Cup campaign since 1998 against Iraq. Stale Solbakken’s team won eight out of eight qualifiers in a group that included Italy, alerting the rest of international soccer to their potential as genuine contenders this summer.
Back at the World Cup for the first time since 1986, Iraq have been dealt a tough hand. Graham Arnold’s side are at a serious talent deficit to the rest of the teams in Group I, but they can possibly take some inspiration from some other surprise packages at this tournament that have already made their mark.
Player to watch: Erling Haaland, Norway - Arguably the most fearsome penalty box finisher in world soccer right now, Haaland scored an outrageous 16 goals in just eight qualifiers for Norway. He is the primary reason so many are bullish on Norway’s World Cup chances.
What to read
Argentina v Algeria
Time (ET): 9pm
Stadium: Kansas City Stadium
How to watch
United States: FOX / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)
Canada: TSN (Stream)
United Kingdom: BBC / ITV (Stream)
Australia: SBS (Stream)
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What to watch for
Lionel Messi and Argentina went all the way in Qatar three-and-a-half years ago and are expected to be among the frontrunners for a fourth World Cup crown this summer. Indeed, La Albiceleste are in good shape, entering the tournament on the back of a seven-game winning run and a very comfortable qualification campaign.
Algeria also cruised through qualification and may have flown under the radar as a team that could make a surprise impact at this World Cup. Ramy Bensebaini is unlikely to feature due to injury, but the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Ibrahim Maza all have top-level quality.
Player to watch: Lionel Messi, Argentina - Even at 38 years old, Messi remains Argentina’s biggest difference-maker. Lionel Scaloni’s team is geared to play to the strengths of the GOAT who signed off for the World Cup break in MLS with 12 goal contributions in five games.
What to read
Austria v Jordan
Time (ET): 12am
Stadium: San Francisco Bay Stadium
How to watch
United States: FS1 / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)
Canada: TSN (Stream)
United Kingdom: BBC / ITV (Stream)
Australia: SBS (Stream)
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What to watch for
Under Ralf Rangnick, Austria have quietly become one of the most interesting teams in the international game. They have adopted the Red Bull style of play pioneered by Rangnick at club level, making them a high-energy, high-risk outfit that is more than the sum of their parts.
Tuesday’s match at San Francisco Bay Stadium will be an historic one for Jordan who are playing at their first-ever World Cup. This will be the maiden meeting between these two sides in a competitive setting with Austria favourites to open their tournament with a win.
Player to watch: Konrad Laimer, Austria - The Bayern Munich player is integral for Austria who use him to overload the centre of the pitch from right back. Laimer is comfortable on the ball and will dictate the play ahead of him.
