FIFA World Cup 2026 (June 23): Preview, Live Streaming, Standings & Scenarios
FIFA World Cup 2026 (June 23): Preview, Live Streaming, Standings & Scenarios Published By, Last Updated: June 22, 2026, 15:56 IST France, Norway, Iraq, Senegal
FIFA World Cup 2026 (June 23): Preview, Live Streaming, Standings & Scenarios Published By, Last Updated: June 22, 2026, 15:56 IST France, Norway, Iraq, Senegal, Jordan and Algeria chase crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 results, with Round of 32 qualification on the line. Rapid Read France players warm up ahead of the Iraq match (Picture credit: AP) Matchday Two in Groups I and J could be pivotal in shaping the knockout bracket, with multiple teams already in a position to seal qualification for the Round of 32. While France and Norway look to continue their march in the tournament, Iraq, Senegal, Jordan and Algeria are looking to put up spirited performances and save themselves from elimination. France vs Iraq Match Details Group: I Venue: Philadelphia, USA Kick-off: 2:30 AM (23rd June) Preview France are one victory away from escaping the FIFA World Cup’s ‘group of death’, with Les Bleus aiming to seal Round of 32 qualification against Iraq in Boston. Kylian Mbappé scored twice to inspire France to recover from a shaky first half in their opening game against Senegal in New Jersey, with Didier Deschamps’ team running out 3-1 winners. Iraq are making their first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1986 and will be looking to respond after a heavy 4-1 loss to Norway in their opening group game. Predicted Lineups France: Mike Maignan (goalkeeper), Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Digne, Adrien Rabiot, Manu Kone, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, Kylian Mbappe Iraq: Ahmed Basil (goalkeeper), Hussein Ali, Zaid Tahseen, Akam Hashem, Merchas Doski, Ibrahim Bayesh, Amir Al-Ammari, Zidane Iqbal, Ali Jasim, Aymen Hussein, Ali Al-Hamadi Prediction: Stats provider Opta’s supercomputer has tagged France as overwhelming favourites, giving them an 88.5% probability of a win.
Iraq, by contrast, have just a 3% chance of causing an upset, as per the model. Norway vs Senegal Match Details Group: I Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford Kick-off: 5:30 AM (23rd June) Preview Norway opened their FIFA World Cup campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Iraq at Gillette Stadium, with Erling Haaland scoring a first-half brace on his tournament debut to power his team to their biggest-ever win at the finals. Ståle Solbakken’s team are undefeated in their last four games and have suffered just one loss in their previous 17 matches across all competitions, a 2-1 defeat to the Netherlands during the March international break. Meanwhile, Senegal were on the receiving end of Mbappé’s second-half brace in a 3-1 loss. After a goalless first period, the game exploded into life after the break, with the France captain delivering a commanding performance to seal a crucial victory. Predicted Lineups Norway: Orjan Nyland, Ryerson, Aje, Lysaker, Wolfe, Nusa, Thorstvedt, Berge, Odegaard, Haaland, Sorloth Senegal: Edouard Mendy, Diouf, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diatta, Ndiaye, I. Gueye, Camara, Mane, Sarr, Mbaye Prediction: Norway took full advantage of a shaky Iraq performance in their opening victory, with Haaland leading the line as the Vikings struck twice in each half, including a late fourth that came via an Aymen Hussein own goal. Senegal, meanwhile, looked to have bounced back from a tough Africa Cup of Nations campaign with two friendly wins, but three straight winless outings since have raised fresh concerns.
