The 2026 FIFA World Cup rolls on Wednesday with four key matches across North America, as Portugal, England, Ghana, and Colombia kick off their tournaments against DR Congo, Croatia, Panama, and debutants Uzbekistan.
Action begins in Houston with a landmark Group K clash between Portugal and DR Congo. For the African nation, it marks a return to football’s biggest stage for the first time in over 50 years.
Portugal enters with heavy expectations. The Seleção lifted the UEFA Nations League in 2025 and cruised through qualification. They are one of Europe’s most reliable tournament teams, having advanced past the group stage in four of the last five World Cups while consistently challenging for silverware.
Roberto Martínez’s side brings a mix of seasoned internationals and rising talent from Europe’s top leagues. Recent wins over the United States, Chile, and Nigeria have Portugal favored to claim all three points in their opener.
DR Congo, however, wants to announce its comeback with a shock result. The Leopards booked their spot after a tough qualifying run that included success in the African playoffs and a victory over Jamaica in the FIFA Intercontinental Playoff final. Though they start as underdogs, the Congolese will look to use their strength and speed to unsettle one of the tournament’s favorites.
Focus then moves to Dallas, where England and Croatia meet again in Group L. The matchup revives memories of the 2018 World Cup semi-final in Moscow, when Croatia came from behind to beat England 2-1 in extra time on the way to their first final.
Eight years on, both countries arrive with plans to go deep. England is listed among the bookmakers’ top picks for the title. Gareth Southgate’s squad features stars like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice.
Croatia keeps defying its size on the world stage. Runners-up in 2018 and semi-finalists in 2022, the Balkan team is known for resilience, tactical shape, and midfield control. Veteran captain Luka Modrić remains the engine, tasked with setting the pace against England’s high-energy midfield.
Later in Toronto, Ghana launches its bid for a first knockout round since 2010 when it faces Panama.
The Black Stars are under new coach Carlos Queiroz after a rough stretch that saw losses to Austria, Germany, and Mexico. Ghana is winless in seven games and has faced questions about its defense after conceding multiple goals in recent friendlies.
Still, the West Africans carry real threat going forward. Mohammed Kudus, Ernest Nuamah, Antoine Semenyo, and skipper Jordan Ayew will be counted on to lead the attack against a Panama team chasing its first trip past the group stage.
Panama impressed in CONCACAF qualifying and has grown since its World Cup debut in 2018. With the expanded format allowing the best third-place teams to move on, Los Canaleros know a result against Ghana could be crucial for their hopes.
The day closes in Mexico City as World Cup first-timers Uzbekistan take on Colombia.
After years of falling short, Uzbekistan finally qualified and now has a chance to make history in its first World Cup match. Coached by World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro, the Central Asian side leans on tactical discipline. Key figures include veteran forward Eldor Shomurodov and Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov.
Colombia stands in the way, looking to reassert itself among the game’s best. The South Americans ended CONMEBOL qualifying strongly and sit among the world’s top-ranked teams. With Liverpool’s Luis Díaz and experienced playmaker James Rodríguez, Colombia has the firepower to push deep into the tournament.
With former finalists, continental champions, African returnees, and bold newcomers all in action, Wednesday adds another rich layer to what is set to be the largest and most wide-reaching FIFA World Cup ever staged.
