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18 June 2026

The seventh day of the World Cup brought plenty of excitement as heavyweights Portugal and England began their campaigns.

Here’s a complete recap of all the action from matchday six, including overnight developments and the standout moments from the tournament so far.

Portugal endured a frustrating start in Group K, being held to a draw by DR Congo. Joao Neves opened the scoring for Portugal inside six minutes with a superb header, suggesting an early onslaught might follow.

However, DR Congo had other plans. Returning to the tournament for the first time since their appearance as Zaire in 1974, Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa equalised in first-half stoppage time. Left unmarked, Wissa met a curling cross to net his country’s first-ever World Cup goal.

Portugal pushed hard for a winner but found no breakthrough, with Cristiano Ronaldo struggling to make an impact. The veteran striker failed to register a single shot on target and has now gone 10 major tournament matches without scoring for Portugal. Coach Roberto Martinez faces a tough selection call ahead of the next fixture.

In contrast, England started their campaign in style with an entertaining victory over Croatia in Texas. Regarded as the Three Lions’ most challenging group match, Thomas Tuchel’s men found another gear in the second half.

Harry Kane struck twice in the opening half, equalling Gary Lineker’s record tally for England at World Cups. Croatia fought back twice through Martin Baturina and Peter Musa, but England’s attacking intent persisted.

Jude Bellingham restored England’s lead shortly after the interval, as Tuchel’s side dominated proceedings with dynamic attacking play — a refreshing change from previous conservative approaches at major tournaments. Marcus Rashford added a fourth late on to secure a well-deserved three points.

Panama, whose last World Cup outing ended with no points and 11 goals conceded in three games, came heartbreakingly close to earning their first result. Facing Ghana in Toronto, Panama matched their opponents throughout but were undone by a 95th-minute strike from Caleb Yirenkyi.

Yirenkyi converted from Brandon Thomas-Asante’s cross during stoppage time, sealing a dramatic win for the four-time African champions. It was a harsh outcome for Panama, but a crucial victory for Ghana’s campaign.

Elsewhere, Colombia earned an impressive win over Uzbekistan, inspired by Luis Diaz. After watching his Bayern Munich teammate Harry Kane shine earlier in the day, Diaz turned hero for his own nation.

Diaz delivered a delightful chipped pass for Crystal Palace full-back Daniel Munoz to open the scoring. Though an error from Camileo Vargas allowed Uzbekistan to net their first-ever World Cup goal, Diaz restored Colombia’s lead with a fine finish.

Substitute Jasminto Campaz then sealed the result with a late header, capping off one of the most vibrant atmospheres witnessed in the tournament so far. Colombia now take a major step toward the knockout rounds.