The final day of World Cup 2026 group openers delivered history, late drama and one of the games of the tournament so far. England edged Croatia in a six-goal classic, DR Congo wrote their name into the history books against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, Ghana struck in the dying seconds, and Colombia overcame spirited debutants Uzbekistan. With Groups K and L now complete, all 48 teams have played — and the opening round is done.
Portugal 1-1 DR Congo
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal were left frustrated in Houston as DR Congo earned a famous 1-1 draw — and made history doing it. João Neves gave Portugal a deserved early lead in the sixth minute, but DR Congo refused to fold, and Yoane Wissa struck deep in first-half stoppage time to level the match.
It was a moment for the ages: Wissa’s goal was DR Congo’s first-ever World Cup goal, and the draw earned them their first-ever World Cup point. For Portugal, despite dominating possession, it was a stumble that leaves questions about their finishing as they begin their campaign.
England 4-2 Croatia
The standout match of the day saw England and Croatia trade blows in a thrilling 4-2 contest in Dallas. Harry Kane led the way with a first-half brace — the first from the penalty spot, the second a clinical finish — to put England in control. But Croatia, runners-up in 2018, hit back through Martin Baturina’s superb strike from outside the box and Petar Musa’s equaliser in first-half stoppage time to make it 2-2 at the break.
England responded immediately after the restart, Jude Bellingham finishing off a flowing move within two minutes of the second half. Marcus Rashford then added an insurance goal late on to seal a 4-2 win for Thomas Tuchel’s side. It was end-to-end, high-quality football and a statement of England’s attacking firepower.
Ghana 1-0 Panama
In a rain-soaked, tense Group L encounter in Toronto, Ghana left it late to break Panama’s resistance. After a goalless 90 minutes of few clear chances, Caleb Yirenkyi pounced in stoppage time to poke home a dramatic winner and spark wild celebrations among the Black Stars.
The 1-0 victory sends Ghana to the top of Group L alongside England, and leaves Panama to rue a battling display that deserved at least a point.
Colombia 3-1 Uzbekistan
Colombia closed the day with a 3-1 win over World Cup debutants Uzbekistan at a vibrant Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, but the newcomers made them work — and made history of their own. Colombia took an early lead, only for Abbosbek Fayzullaev to fire home Uzbekistan’s first-ever World Cup goal and briefly level the contest.
Luis Díaz, outstanding throughout with a goal and an assist, restored Colombia’s lead with his first World Cup goal, and substitute Jáminton Campaz sealed the win deep in stoppage time. Colombia top Group K, but Uzbekistan can be proud of a spirited debut.
A milestone: every group has now played
With Groups K and L complete, all 12 groups have played their opening matches. The first round delivered exactly what the expanded 48-team format promised — elite quality from the favourites, and a wave of underdog history, with Curaçao, Jordan, DR Congo and Uzbekistan all scoring their first-ever World Cup goals. Matchday 2 begins on June 18.
Group standings impact
Group K: Colombia lead on three points after their win, with Portugal and DR Congo level on one apiece and Uzbekistan yet to get off the mark. Group L: England and Ghana share top spot on three points, ahead of Panama and Croatia, who are both still searching for their first point.
Frequently asked questions
What were the World Cup 2026 results on June 17? England beat Croatia 4-2, Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo, Ghana beat Panama 1-0, and Colombia beat Uzbekistan 3-1.
Did DR Congo score their first World Cup goal? Yes. Yoane Wissa scored DR Congo’s first-ever World Cup goal in their 1-1 draw with Portugal, earning the nation its first World Cup point.
Who scored for England against Croatia? Harry Kane scored twice, with Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also on target in England’s 4-2 win.
Follow every result
Keep up with every score and the latest group tables on our Live Standings page, and read more match reports on our Results hub.