Wednesday’s World Cup action saw some big hitters kick off their campaigns as Portugal and England featured.
We’ve recapped all the happenings from matchday six, including what you missed overnight and the biggest stories from the tournament.
Ronaldo blanks as Portugal held by DR Congo
Portugal got off to a stuttering start in Group K after being held by DR Congo. Joao Neves put Portugal ahead inside just six minutes with a fabulous header, and it looked likely to open the floodgates.
However, DR Congo had other ideas. Returning to this stage for the first time since featuring as Zaire in 1974, Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa headed the African outfit level in first-half stoppage time. Unmarked, Wissa met an in-swinging cross to score his nation’s first-ever World Cup goal.
Portugal huffed and puffed, but there was no route to a winner, with Cristiano Ronaldo ineffective. Ronaldo did not manage a single shot on target and has now gone 10 major tournament games without scoring for Portugal. Roberto Martinez has a big decision to make.
0 – Cristiano Ronaldo has now gone 10 consecutive major tournament games without scoring for Portugal (FIFA World Cup/EURO):
33 shots
11 on target
0 goalsDrought. pic.twitter.com/PYQIHPgCkM
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 17, 2026
England conquer Croatia in six-goal thriller
England are up and running after an entertaining win over Croatia in Texas. Dubbed as the Three Lions’ toughest test of the group, Thomas Tuchel’s side stepped on the gas in the second half.
Harry Kane scored twice inside the opening 45 minutes to level Gary Lineker’s goal record for England at World Cups, but Croatia twice levelled through Martin Baturina and Peter Musa.
2002 – This is England’s first FIFA World Cup win against a side ranked inside of FIFA’s top 15 in the rankings (Croatia 11th) since 2002 v Argentina (3rd), ending a nine-game winless run (D2 L7) and six-game losing run against such sides at the finals.
Statement. pic.twitter.com/jhWCOnioPe
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 17, 2026
However, a quick-fire goal after half-time from Jude Bellingham put England back ahead, as Tuchel’s team lay siege to the Croatian goal. England were adventurous and attacking, traits not often associated with the Three Lions at major tournaments. Marcus Rashford’s late fourth sealed a deserved three points.
Ghana leave it late to deal Panama painful defeat
Panama’s previous visit to the World Cup ended without a point, and 11 goals conceded in just three games. This, then, was a heartbreaking conclusion to their best-ever performance on this stage.
Panama matched Ghana stride for stride in Toronto, but suffered a devastating defeat as Caleb Yirenkyi scored a 95th-minute winner for the Black Stars.
Ghana broke away in a rapid counter with Yirenkyi turning in from Brandon Thomas-Asante’s cross in stoppage time to deny Panama a point.
95 minutes it took before Ghana grabbed the winner 🇬🇭
Caleb Yirenkyi breaks the deadlock in stoppage time against Panama… pic.twitter.com/UTSNxA2FVV
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 18, 2026
It was cruel on Panama, but a massive result for the four-time African champions.
Diaz delights as Colombia see off debutants Uzbekistan
Having watched Bayern Munich teammate Harry Kane excel for England earlier in the day, Luis Diaz was the hero for his side, as Colombia saw off Uzbekistan.
Diaz’s delightful chipped pass set up Crystal Palace full-back Daniel Munoz for the opener, before Diaz reestablished Colombia’s lead with an effort of his own, after an error from Camileo Vargas gifted Uzbekistan a first-ever World Cup goal.
𝐋𝐔𝐈𝐒 𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐙 𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐎𝐍 𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐂𝐔𝐏 𝐃𝐄𝐁𝐔𝐓 🫡
A goal and a brilliant assist for him, leading Colombia to their first World Cup win in 8 years 🔥
Uzbekistan score their first-ever World Cup goal, a magical moment for Cannavaro’s side 🇺🇿 pic.twitter.com/atfFfNUgs3
— 433 (@433) June 18, 2026
Jasminto Campaz came off the bench to head in a match-sealing third, in what was undoubtedly one of the best atmospheres of the tournament to date. Colombia take a giant leap towards the knockouts.
Read – Four things we learned from England 4-2 Croatia
See more – England player ratings vs Croatia: Kane and Bellingham star in World Cup opener
