World Cup, 5 things to know: Haaland’s first, Messi’s 200th, classic 2002 rematch
Champions Argentina and runners-up France finally join the fray, along with dark horse Norway and Austria, but potential for upsets is high
Wednesday serves up four star-studded fixtures, headlined by the return of France, Argentina, Norway and Austria to the World Cup spotlight.
From Mbappe against Senegal and Haaland against Iraq, to Messi’s title defence against Algeria and Austria’s opener against Jordan, there is no shortage of intrigue as the group stage gathers pace.
Here’s everything you need to know for match day six.
Can Mane trigger another French shock?
France, the 2022 finalists, arrive as the more experienced team but are not without questions after a shock 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast in a warm-up match and a laboured win over Northern Ireland.
Senegal, meanwhile, impressed in African qualifying and, with Sadio Mane as their talisman, will be eager to recreate the memories of their famous 1-0 victory over France at the 2002 World Cup.
Les Bleus, who swept through European qualifying and are co-favourites alongside Argentina, should take the three points, but this Group I clash at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey is unlikely to be straightforward.
Norway’s talisman steps onto the big stage
It’s been a long wait for both, but Iraq and Norway are back on the World Cup stage and facing off in Boston.