2026 World Cup international friendlies: Who plays today, Monday, June 8?
With only three days left until the World Cup begins in North America, favorites France and Spain play their final warm-up friendlies.
France and Spain, two of the favorites to lift the World Cup trophy in New Jersey on July 19, complete their preparations for this summer’s tournament today, Monday, June 8, on a relatively quiet day of international action.
Kylian Mbappé is expected to be in action as Les Bleus host Northern Ireland in Lille before jetting out to their training base near Boston. France suffered a surprise home defeat to Ivory Coast in Nantes last Thursday and will not expect a second straight loss against a team ranked 70th in the FIFA World Ranking.
Northern Ireland missed out on qualification for their first World Cup since 1986 after losing a UEFA playoff semifinal to Italy.
France, who are in Group I alongside Senegal, Iraq and Norway, play their first group-stage game against Senegal in New Jersey on Tuesday, June 16.
Spain’s final tuneup before the World Cup
Spain, meanwhile, have already made their way across the pond, with their final warmup game against Peru taking place in Puebla, Mexico. Lamine Yamal will not be involved as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.
The reigning European champions were held to a 1-1 draw by Iraq in La Coruña on Thursday and will hope to wrap up their preparations with a win over the Peruvians, who won’t be at the tournament after finishing ninth out of 10 teams in CONMEBOL qualifying.
Spain, who were drawn with Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H, begin their World Cup campaign against the West African debutants on June 15.
Who else is playing today?
Two more World Cup-bound nations are in action against one another as the Netherlands face Uzbekistan in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Icahn Stadium in New York.
The Dutch play their first World Cup game against Japan on June 14 and will also take on Sweden and Tunisia in the group stage. Uzbekistan, appearing at their first World Cup, are in Group K alongside Colombia, Portugal and DR Congo, with the South Americans first up on June 17.
Today’s international friendlies: Full schedule for Monday, June 8
- 7:30 a.m. ET: Sri Lanka vs. Bhutan
- 2:45 p.m. ET: Netherlands vs. Uzbekistan
- 3:00 p.m. ET: Mauritania vs. Niger
- 3:10 p.m. ET: France vs. Northern Ireland
- 10:00 p.m. ET: Peru vs. Spain
How long until the 2026 World Cup starts?
Only three days remain until the 2026 World Cup begins in North America. Co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, the tournament kicks off on Thursday, June 11, when Mexico take on South Africa in the opening game in Mexico City (3 p.m. ET).
Who are the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup?
- Spain: +450
- France: +500
- England: +700
- Argentina: +900
- Brazil: +900
Odds via Oddschecker.
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