Day six of the World Cup on Tuesday sees four top teams starting their campaigns. 2018 winners France face Senegal at New York New Jersey Stadium at 3pm (19:00 GMT), a repeat of their famous 2002 opener where Senegal stunned the defending champions 1-0. Opta's supercomputer gives France a 64.8% chance of victory.

Reigning champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, play Algeria in Kansas City, Missouri at 8pm (01:00 GMT Wednesday). Argentina have won their last six World Cup matches against African opponents, while Algeria beat Chile in 1982 but lost to Brazil in 1986. Opta gives Argentina a 68.2% chance of winning.

Norway return to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, facing Iraq at Boston Stadium in Massachusetts at 6pm (22:00 GMT). Led by Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, Norway are strong favorites with a 77.4% win probability according to Opta.

Austria meet Jordan at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in California at 9pm (04:00 GMT Wednesday). Ranked 25th in the world, Austria are 39 places above Jordan (64th) and are expected to challenge for a knockout spot. Opta gives Austria a 70.3% chance of victory.

Earlier in the tournament, Cape Verde's 0-0 draw with Spain sparked celebrations, with goalkeeper Vozinha gaining 4.9 million Instagram followers overnight. Saudi Arabia drew 1-1 with Uruguay, while Tunisia fired coach Sabri Lamouchi after a 5-1 loss to Sweden.

Iraqi fans expressed joy at their team's return to the World Cup after 40 years but frustration over visa restrictions preventing attendance. One fan said: "Banning the fans is a very negative step because sports have nothing to do with politics."

Source: www.aljazeera.com