World Cup 2026

2026 World Cup international friendlies: Who plays today, Tuesday, June 9?

With only a couple of days left until the World Cup begins in North America, play their final warm-up friendlies.

With only a couple of days left until the World Cup begins in North America, play their final warm-up friendlies.
Calum Roche
Managing Editor AS USA
Sports-lover turned journalist, born and bred in Scotland, with a passion for football (soccer). He’s also a keen follower of NFL, NBA, golf and tennis, among others, and always has an eye on the latest in science, tech and current affairs. As Managing Editor at AS USA, uses background in operations and marketing to drive improvements for reader satisfaction.
Update:

Argentina and Senegal headline a busy day of international friendlies on Tuesday, June 9, as nations continue their final preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off in just two days.

While several World Cup-bound teams have already completed their warmup schedules, a handful of contenders and dark horses are still fine-tuning their squads before heading into competitive action. Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Senegal and Iraq are among the teams in action on a packed day featuring 11 international friendlies across three continents.

The reigning world champions are expected to attract the most attention when they take on Iceland in Buenos Aires in their final exhibition before beginning their title defense later this month.

Argentina’s final World Cup rehearsal

Lionel Scaloni’s side will be looking to build momentum as they welcome Iceland, a team that failed to qualify for the World Cup but remains capable of frustrating more talented opponents with its disciplined defensive approach.

Argentina enter the tournament among the favorites after lifting the trophy in Qatar four years ago and boast one of the deepest squads in international soccer. They are in Group J with Algeria, Austria and Jordan. Their opener is against Algeria on June 16.

Iceland, meanwhile, fell short during European qualifying and will use the occasion as an opportunity to test themselves against one of the world’s elite teams.

Saudi Arabia face a major test against Senegal

One of the most intriguing games of the day takes place in Riyadh, where Saudi Arabia host Senegal in a matchup featuring two nations with ambitions of advancing beyond the group stage.

Senegal arrive at the World Cup as one of Africa’s strongest representatives and possess a squad packed with players competing in Europe’s top leagues. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, continue their preparations after showing flashes of promise throughout qualification.

The two teams could offer an early glimpse of their tournament readiness before beginning their respective World Cup campaigns next week.

Chile meet DR Congo while Venezuela travel to Iraq

Elsewhere, Chile face DR Congo in a compelling intercontinental clash. Although Chile narrowly missed qualification, they remain a dangerous opponent and will test a Congolese side preparing for its first World Cup appearance in more than five decades.

Later in the evening, Iraq host Venezuela in another contest featuring a World Cup participant. Iraq continue to sharpen their preparations ahead of a challenging group-stage schedule, while Venezuela will look to build confidence despite missing out on qualification from South America.

Who else is playing today?

The day’s schedule begins in Asia as China host Thailand before Indonesia welcome Mozambique.

Armenia take on Moldova in Eastern Europe, Belarus face Burkina Faso, Russia host Trinidad and Tobago, Hungary meet Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan play San Marino.

Several of these nations are already turning their attention toward future qualifying campaigns, while others simply aim to build momentum through positive results before competitive action resumes later this year.

Today’s international friendlies: Full schedule for Tuesday, June 9

  • 7:35 a.m. ET: China vs. Thailand
  • 9:00 a.m. ET: Indonesia vs. Mozambique
  • 11:00 a.m. ET: Armenia vs. Moldova
  • 12:00 p.m. ET: DR Congo vs. Chile
  • 12:30 p.m. ET: Belarus vs. Burkina Faso
  • 1:00 p.m. ET: Russia vs. Trinidad and Tobago
  • 1:00 p.m. ET: Hungary vs. Kazakhstan
  • 2:00 p.m. ET: Azerbaijan vs. San Marino
  • 7:00 p.m. ET: Saudi Arabia vs. Senegal
  • 9:00 p.m. ET: Argentina vs. Iceland
  • 9:00 p.m. ET: Iraq vs. Venezuela

How long until the 2026 World Cup starts?

Only two days remain until the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway in North America. Co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, the tournament begins on Thursday, June 11, when Mexico face South Africa in the opening game in Mexico City at 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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2026 World Cup international friendlies: Who plays today, Tuesday, June 9?

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