Monday June 22 serves up four World Cup 2026 group stage matches, headlined by Argentina vs Austria and Senegal’s must-win clash with Norway.
Monday June 22 is a massive day in the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage. Four matches are spread across Groups I and J, with African interest centred on Senegal who must arrest a slide after their opening defeat to France. Here is everything Nigerian fans need to know, with kick-off times in WAT (UTC+1) and betting tips from Bet9ja and SportyBet.
This is the standout fixture of the day. Both Argentina and Austria won their opening group games and walk into Monday’s showdown level on three points. A win for either side guarantees a place in the Round of 32.
Lionel Messi opened his 2026 World Cup account in spectacular fashion against Algeria, bagging a hat-trick in the 3-0 win. He now has 16 World Cup goals, level with Miroslav Klose’s all-time record. The question is whether Messi breaks the mark today. Austrian defenders have been warned.
Austria’s 3-1 victory over Jordan showed that David Alaba and company mean business at this tournament. They will be organised and defensively disciplined, but Austria will be without Stefan Posch, who suffered a broken jaw in the opener, with Konrad Laimer shifting to fullback. Up front, Marko Arnautovic is expected to lead the line.
Argentina are managing Gonzalo Montiel’s injury carefully, with Nahuel Molina likely replacing him at right back. Otherwise, the Albiceleste selection revolves around giving Messi the platform to destroy opponents, with Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez and Thiago Almada behind him.
Verdict: Argentina have the most dangerous player on the pitch and the better squad depth. Austria will make it competitive but Argentina’s quality in the final third tips this their way.
Tip: Argentina to Win — Odds 1.55 (Bet9ja)
France walked through Senegal 3-1 in their opener and will be heavy favourites against an Iraq side that was dismantled 4-1 by Norway. This is a mismatch on paper, and Didier Deschamps is likely to rotate, but France’s squad depth means even a second-choice XI should win comfortably.
Iraq’s defence has already conceded four goals in one match and faces the daunting task of containing Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and a stacked French attack. Unless France rest too many starters and come out flat, this has comfortable French victory written all over it.
Tip: France to Win — Odds 1.22 (SportyBet)
This is the African match of the night and Nigerian fans will be watching closely. After the Lions of Teranga lost 3-1 to France in their opener, a defeat here would almost certainly end Senegal’s World Cup campaign. Manager Pape Thiaw needs a reaction.
The challenge is formidable. Norway demolished Iraq 4-1 in their first match, with Erling Haaland scoring twice. The Manchester City striker has now scored in 11 consecutive matches for his country and carries 57 goals in 51 international appearances. Stopping Haaland is the immediate problem for Senegal.
Senegal are not without quality. Ismaila Sarr, Nicolas Jackson and Sadio Mane form an exciting attacking unit with genuine pace and creativity. If Senegal can frustrate Norway early and nick a counter-attacking goal, the game opens up. But Norway’s confidence is sky-high and Haaland is in brilliant form.
Tip: Norway to Win — Odds 2.10 (Bet9ja)
Both Jordan and Algeria lost their openers and cannot afford another defeat. Algeria went down 3-0 to Messi’s Argentina and must bounce back against a beatable Jordan side that conceded three to Austria.
Algeria have a squad built for tournaments like this — experienced, technically sound and proud. Jordan will scrap hard but Algeria’s quality in midfield and attack should be enough to get the points they desperately need to stay alive in the tournament.
Tip: Algeria to Win — Odds 2.05 (SportyBet)
| Match | Kick-off (WAT) | Tip | Odds |
|—|—|—|—|
| Argentina vs Austria | 6:00 PM | Argentina Win | 1.55 |
| France vs Iraq | 10:00 PM | France Win | 1.22 |
| Norway vs Senegal | 1:00 AM | Norway Win | 2.10 |
| Jordan vs Algeria | 4:00 AM | Algeria Win | 2.05 |
For those looking to combine today’s tips into a multi-bet, see the World Cup 2026 accumulator tips article. Remember to stake responsibly and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
With Ghana’s massive clash against England coming up on Tuesday June 23 at 9:00 PM WAT, Monday’s matches are really the warm-up act. The Black Stars beat Panama 1-0 thanks to Caleb Yirenkyi’s 95th-minute winner and will be looking to build momentum against the Three Lions. Follow the full Ghana World Cup 2026 guide for preview, odds and everything you need ahead of that game.
All match odds are approximate and taken from Bet9ja and SportyBet at time of writing. Odds change — always check your bookmaker before placing a bet. Gamble responsibly. 18+ only.
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