World Cup 2026 Group I Matchday 2 Preview: June 22 Fixtures
Group I's second round on June 22, 2026 sends France vs Iraq to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia (5pm ET) and Norway vs Senegal to MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey (8pm ET). Previews, kickoff times, travel notes, and the one eSIM for both host cities.
Published June 11, 2026·5 min read
Summary
Group I's second round on June 22, 2026 sends top seed France against Iraq at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia (5pm ET) and Erling Haaland's Norway against Senegal at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey (8pm ET). Here are both previews, the travel notes, and the eSIM that covers both host cities on one plan.
Group I matchday 2 fixtures
| Kickoff (ET) | Match | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 22 · 5pm | France vs Iraq | Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia, USA |
| Jun 22 · 8pm | Norway vs Senegal | MetLife Stadium | New York/New Jersey, USA |
France vs Iraq, Philadelphia
After opening against Senegal, France — FIFA's third-ranked sideand 2018 world champions — meet Iraq, back at the finals for the first time in 40 years after winning the inter-confederation playoff. A French win at Lincoln Financial Field would put them on the brink of the round of 32. Plan your route to the stadium and where to stay in Philadelphia.
Norway vs Senegal, New York/New Jersey
At MetLife Stadium, Norway— at their first World Cup since 1998 and powered by Erling Haaland — meet Senegal, the 2002 quarterfinalists ranked 19th. With the third-place route open under the 48-team format, it is close to a must-win for the loser of each opener. Sort your route to MetLife and the eat & stay guide.
eSIM vs roaming vs pocket Wi-Fi for World Cup travel
| Option | Cost | Setup time | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM | Low | ~5 min (pre-install on Wi-Fi) | Excellent (local carrier) |
| Carrier roaming | High | Instant (already enabled) | Medium (partner-dependent) |
| Pocket Wi-Fi | Medium | Airport pickup / rental | Good (extra device to charge) |
Both Group I matchday-2 venues are in the US Northeast, an easy Amtrak hop apart — mobile tickets in the FIFA World Cup 26™ app, live transit, and rideshare all run on data, and stadium Wi-Fi buckles when 60,000-plus people share it. A North America eSIM keeps you online across the USA, Canada, and Mexico on one plan, so Philadelphia and New York/New Jersey share the same data — useful if you are chasing Group I to the June 26 finale at BMO Field in Toronto. From US$5 with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or card; setup steps are in the Philadelphia connectivity guide.
FAQ
QWhat are the Group I matchday 2 fixtures at World Cup 2026?
AOn June 22, 2026, France face Iraq at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia (5pm ET) and Norway face Senegal at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey (8pm ET). They are the second round of Group I.
QWhere is France vs Iraq being played?
AFrance vs Iraq is at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, kicking off at 5pm ET on June 22, 2026. France are the top seed at FIFA No. 3; Iraq are at their first World Cup in 40 years.
QWhy does matchday 2 matter in Group I?
AThe June 22 Norway–Senegal meeting at MetLife may decide who chases France, while France vs Iraq can clinch a knockout place. The top two plus the best third-placed teams advance; Group I's final round follows on June 26.
QWhat eSIM works for both Philadelphia and New York/New Jersey?
AA North America eSIM covers the USA, Canada, and Mexico on local networks, so the same plan works at Lincoln Financial Field and MetLife Stadium. No SIM swap, and the same plan follows Group I to the June 26 finale in Toronto.
Bottom line
Group I's June 22 slate could settle who chases France into the knockouts. Read the team guides for France, Iraq, Norway, and Senegal, the full Group I preview, and the wider matchday 2 schedule, then grab a World Cup 2026 eSIM that covers the USA on one plan.