Favorites Deliver on Opening Day but Portugal Stumble at World Cup 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup got underway in earnest on June 18th, with four matches producing a largely predictable set of results - save for one notable exception. Portugal, one of the tournament's most celebrated squads, failed to win their opener, dropping points in a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Elsewhere, Colombia, England, and Ghana all claimed victories to begin their campaigns with maximum or near-maximum returns.
The day's action spanned Groups K and L, offering an early glimpse into how the expanded tournament's group stage may take shape. While individual sports like speedway betting attract their own distinct audiences around the world, the global pull of a World Cup opening day remains unmatched, and these four matches drew significant attention across South America, Africa, Europe, and beyond. The results will sharpen tactical thinking for coaches heading into what promises to be a congested and high-stakes group phase.
Portugal Held by DR Congo in Group K Shock
The headline result of the morning was undoubtedly Portugal's failure to beat the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite being widely regarded as the superior side, Portugal could only manage a 1-1 draw, handing the Congolese a creditable point and immediately placing pressure on Roberto Martínez's side ahead of their remaining fixtures. The DR Congo, representing one of African football's most passionate and historically rich footballing nations, will take enormous confidence from the result.
The context makes the dropped points even more significant: Colombia had already beaten Uzbekistan 3-1 earlier in the day to go top of Group K with three points. That means Portugal begin their campaign in third place in the group, needing a strong response in their next fixture. With Colombia demonstrating real attacking quality against a debutant Uzbekistan side, Portugal's path to the knockout rounds already has complications.
Colombia Overcome Uzbekistan Despite Flickers of Resistance
Colombia's 3-1 win over Uzbekistan was not entirely straightforward. The Central Asian nation, making their World Cup debut, showed enough to suggest they will be competitive throughout Group K. Abbosbek Fayzullaev provided the answer-back goal that kept the match alive for a period, and Uzbekistan's presence at this tournament reflects the continued global growth of the game.
However, Colombia's quality ultimately told. Daniel Muñoz, Luis Díaz, and Jaminton Campaz were all on the scoresheet, with Díaz's contribution particularly noteworthy given his status as one of South America's most dynamic wide forwards. Colombia will now feel they are well-positioned to progress from Group K, particularly after watching Portugal drop points.
England Beat Croatia 4-2 in an Entertaining Group L Opener
England delivered their most convincing World Cup opening-match performance in years, defeating Croatia 4-2 in a match that had genuine quality and drama in both halves. Harry Kane scored twice to give England the lead on two separate occasions, only for Croatia to level at 2-2 before half-time through goals from Baturina and Musa. It was a reminder that Croatia, even in transition, possess the nous and technical ability to hurt any opponent.
The second half belonged to England. Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford added the third and fourth goals respectively to seal a comfortable margin. The 4-2 scoreline flatters neither side entirely - Croatia made England work - but it is precisely the kind of result England needed to set the tone. Bellingham's contribution in particular will be noted as a marker of his growing influence on the international stage.
Ghana Snatch Late Win as Group L Takes Shape
In the other Group L fixture, Ghana edged Panama 1-0 thanks to Caleb Yirenkyi's goal deep into stoppage time. The result was nervy for Ghana - a side with genuine tournament pedigree in African football - and Panama will feel aggrieved to have lost in such circumstances. Nevertheless, Ghana take three points and join England at the top of Group L, separated only by goal difference.
The second matchday meeting between England and Ghana now carries enormous weight. A win for either side would likely secure an early passage to the knockout rounds. For Ghana, it represents a chance to announce themselves as genuine contenders; for England, an opportunity to put the group beyond doubt. The stage is set.
World Cup 2026 - Results, June 18th
- Portugal 1-1 Democratic Republic of Congo (Group K)
- Uzbekistan 1-3 Colombia (Group K)
- England 4-2 Croatia (Group L)
- Ghana 1-0 Panama (Group L)
