World Cup Matchday: England Roll, Portugal Stumble

Sport

By lines

June 18, 2026

Stylized soccer player illustration for 2026 World Cup matchday coverage

The 2026 World Cup delivered drama across two groups on June 17. England beat Croatia 4-2 in Group L. Portugal could only draw DR Congo 1-1 in Group K.

England Surge While Portugal and Ronaldo Sputter

The 2026 World Cup expanded to 48 teams across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The group stage continues through late June. Group K and Group L both delivered decisive June 17 results.

Harry Kane scored twice for England against Croatia in their 2026 World Cup Group L opener. Jude Bellingham struck for England straight out of halftime to extend the lead. Marcus Rashford then added an insurance goal to seal the 4-2 result.

England’s four goals against Croatia marked a statement start to its Group L campaign. Croatia scored twice in reply but never seriously threatened England’s control. England dominated the second half after Bellingham’s strike out of the break.

Harry Kane, England’s all-time leading scorer, set the tone with his early brace. Kane’s finishing turned England’s possession into a commanding Group L scoreline. England will lean on Kane again as the group stage continues.

Ghana edged Panama 1-0 in the other Group L match on June 17. Caleb Yirenkyi scored Ghana’s winner deep in stoppage time, in the 95th minute. Ghana now share the early Group L lead with England on three points.

Colombia opened its 2026 World Cup with a 3-1 win over debutant Uzbekistan in Group K. Colombia banked three points and an early edge in the group. Uzbekistan left its first World Cup match without a point.

Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, failed to score for Portugal in the 1-1 draw with DR Congo. Joao Neves gave Portugal an early lead in Group K. Yoane Wissa equalized for DR Congo just before halftime.

Ronaldo, 41, ranks among the oldest players competing at the 2026 World Cup. Jude Bellingham, by contrast, scored again for England at age 22. The age gap framed England’s surge against Portugal’s flat start.

England earned three points from the Croatia win, matching Ghana atop Group L. Colombia also banked three points in Group K on June 17. Portugal and DR Congo each took a single point from their draw.

England lead Group L on a plus-two goal difference over Ghana’s plus-one. Colombia top Group K after the three-goal output against Uzbekistan. Both England and Colombia carry momentum into their next fixtures.

Portugal next face Uzbekistan on June 23 in Houston needing a response. England aim to clinch a Group L knockout berth in their next match. Bettors will track Ronaldo’s role for Portugal closely after the quiet opener.