FIFA World Cup: Kane’s Brace in England’s Impressive Win, Ronaldo’s Portugal Held

With an impressive victory, England began it’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on a high on Thursday.

Thanks to an improved second half, England defeated Croatia 4–2 in Group ‘L’.

At the Dallas Stadium, Harry Kane scored twice in the first half. However, Croatia equalized twice before halftime. In the second half, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford added their names to the scoresheet.

England had a shaky start, earning a penalty in the ninth minute. Luka Modrić brought down Noni Madueke, giving England a set-piece opportunity.

The veteran midfielder and captain Modrić made an error while clearing the ball. But Kane’s penalty was saved by goalkeeper Dominik Livaković. Later, midfielder Caleb Yirenky scored in injury time to stun Panama 1–0, giving Ghana victory in their Group ‘L’ match of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The match at Toronto Stadium had six minutes of added injury time. In the fifth minute, Ghana capitalized on a counterattack. From the left side, Brendan Thomas delivered a cross that Yirenky tapped in for the winning goal.

Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal teammates drew 1–1 against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Making their return after 52 years, Congo became the second African nation to start strongly. Earlier, Cape Verde had held another title contender, Spain, to a goalless draw.

Nearly 69,000 spectators filled the NRG Stadium, most of them supporting Portugal. Congo was playing only its second World Cup, having last appeared in 1974. Portugal started brightly: defensive midfielder João Neves scored in the sixth minute, heading in Pedro Neto’s cross inside the penalty box.

Striker Yone Wissa equalized for Congo in first-half injury time, also with a header, making use of Arthur Masuaku’s cross. Ronaldo became only the second player to feature in six World Cups. Earlier, Lionel Messi had become the first player to achieve the feat.

Colombia also made a winning start in the FIFA World Cup 2026, defeating Asian nation Uzbekistan 3–1.

In Mexico City, Colombia’s victory came through goals from Luis Díaz, Daniel Muñoz, and Jamilton Campaz. Abosbek Fayzullaev scored Uzbekistan’s lone goal.

The 22-year-old equalized in the 61st minute, but Colombia responded with two more goals under sustained pressure to secure three points. Fayzullaev also became the first Uzbek player to score in a World Cup.

With this, Colombia earned three crucial points in Group ‘K’. The win strengthened their chances of reaching the quarterfinals.