ATLANTA/ARLINGTON/HOUSTON/MEXICO CITY/TORONTO, JUN 18 (IANS): The opening round of group-stage matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026 delivered drama, goals and memorable moments across North America, with England, Colombia and Ghana registering important victories while South Africa and Congo DR fought hard to secure valuable points in their respective encounters.
From Harry Kane’s record-breaking brace for England to Luis Diaz inspiring Colombia’s winning start and Congo DR earning a historic point against Portugal, the tournament continued to provide compelling storylines as teams battled for early momentum in the race to reach the knockout stages.
SA hold Czech to keep qualification hopes alive
South Africa kept their hopes of progressing from Group A alive after securing a hard-fought 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
The match carried significant importance for both sides after defeats in their opening fixtures. Another loss would have severely damaged either team’s chances of advancing to the Round of 32.
The Czech Republic made the brighter start and took the lead as early as the sixth minute. Alexandr Sojka threaded a precise pass into the path of Michal Sadilek, who calmly slid his effort past South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to give the Europeans an early advantage. South Africa struggled initially to find rhythm but gradually settled into the contest. The African side, which had faced criticism following a disappointing 2-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico in their opening match, displayed greater determination and attacking intent as the game progressed. The defining moment arrived in the 83rd minute. Thapelo Maseko unleashed a long-range effort that struck the hand of Pavel Sulc inside the penalty area, prompting the referee to award a penalty.
Teboho Mokoena, who had been visibly emotional during the pre-match national anthem, stepped forward to take responsibility. Showing remarkable composure under pressure, he drove a low shot beyond Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar to level the scores and spark celebrations among South African supporters.
Kane leads England to victory over Croatia
England launched their Group L campaign in spectacular fashion, defeating Croatia 4-2 in an entertaining contest at Dallas Stadium.
The match showcased England’s attacking quality, with captain Harry Kane scoring twice before Jude Bellingham and substitute Marcus Rashford added second-half goals to secure all three points. England started aggressively and quickly created problems for the Croatian defence. Their early pressure paid off when Noni Madueke won a penalty after being brought down by Luka Modric while chasing a loose ball inside the area.
Kane’s initial penalty was saved by Dominik Livakovic, but the spot-kick was ordered to be retaken due to encroachment. Given a second opportunity, the England captain made no mistake, calmly converting to open the scoring in the 12th minute. Croatia responded impressively. Martin Baturina produced a stunning strike from distance to equalise, leaving goalkeeper Jordan Pickford with little chance despite getting a fingertip to the ball.
England regained the lead when Kane found space inside the penalty area and powered home a header from a corner kick. However, Croatia refused to surrender and levelled again in first-half stoppage time when Petar Musa finished from close range following good work by Ivan Perisic.
At 2-2, the match was finely balanced heading into halftime. England emerged from the break with renewed energy. Just two minutes into the second half, Jude Bellingham drove into the penalty area and fired a clinical finish into the far corner to restore England’s lead. The goal shifted momentum decisively in England’s favour. Declan Rice controlled the midfield while England repeatedly tested Livakovic, who produced several outstanding saves to keep Croatia within touching distance.
Despite Croatia’s efforts to mount another comeback, England sealed victory late in the game. Marcus Rashford found space on the left, cut inside his defender and coolly slotted the ball home to make it 4-2.
Congo DR make history by holding Portugal
One of the biggest surprises of the tournament came in Houston, where Congo DR held Portugal to a 1-1 draw in Group K.
Portugal appeared destined for victory after taking an early lead through Joao Neves in the sixth minute. The midfielder rose highest to meet Pedro Neto’s cross and headed the ball past goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
The Portuguese dominated possession for long periods, but their inability to create clear-cut chances ultimately proved costly.
Congo DR, returning to the World Cup after a 52-year absence, gradually grew in confidence. Yoane Wissa emerged as the team’s most dangerous attacking outlet, repeatedly troubling the Portuguese defence with his movement and energy.
Their persistence was rewarded moments before halftime. Arthur Masuaku delivered a well-measured cross into the penalty area, where Wissa powered a header beyond Diogo Costa to score Congo DR’s first-ever World Cup goal.
The historic strike sparked jubilant celebrations and ensured the African side entered the interval level at 1-1. Portugal attempted to respond after the restart. Joao Cancelo thought he had restored the lead with a spectacular overhead kick, but the effort was ruled out for offside. Cristiano Ronaldo, making his 23rd World Cup appearance, created a unique piece of history by becoming the oldest outfield player ever to start a World Cup match at 41 years and 132 days. However, the Portuguese superstar was unable to find the net.
Diaz inspires Colombia to winning return
Colombia marked their return to the World Cup with a thrilling 3-1 victory over tournament debutants Uzbekistan at Mexico City Stadium.
The South Americans entered the tournament eager to make an impact after missing the 2022 edition and produced an impressive performance led by Liverpool star Luis Diaz. Colombia dominated possession in the opening stages and came close through Jhon Arias before Diaz struck the post with a well-placed effort.
Their breakthrough arrived five minutes before halftime. Diaz delivered a superb pass over the Uzbek defence, and Daniel Munoz cleverly guided the ball into the net to give Colombia a deserved lead. Uzbekistan responded admirably and created a memorable moment in their football history. Following a sequence of attacking pressure, Abbosbek Fayzullaev headed home after Dostonbek Khamdamov’s effort rebounded off the post.
The goal represented Uzbekistan’s first-ever World Cup goal and briefly restored parity. However, Colombia quickly regained control. Diaz, who had been the most influential player on the pitch, scored his first World Cup goal when his low shot crossed the line despite the goalkeeper’s attempt to keep it out.
The South Americans continued to press forward and eventually secured victory deep into stoppage time. Substitute Cucho Hernandez won possession on the wing before delivering a precise cross for fellow substitute Jaminton Campaz, who headed home Colombia’s third goal.
Ghana leave it late to defeat Panama
Ghana secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Caleb Yirenkyi in Toronto.
The Group L encounter appeared destined to finish goalless as both sides struggled to convert their opportunities despite creating several promising chances.
Panama enjoyed the better openings in the first half. Cecilio Waterman forced a fine save from Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, while Jiovany Ramos squandered another opportunity by firing over the crossbar. The second half followed a similar pattern. Cristian Martinez came close for Panama, but Ghana gradually began to exert greater influence following tactical adjustments from coach Carlos Queiroz.
Substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante immediately provided fresh energy in attack and nearly created a goal for Jordan Ayew, only for Ramos to make a crucial defensive intervention.
As the clock ticked into injury time, the match seemed headed for a draw. However, Ghana produced one final attack. Thomas-Asante surged down the flank and delivered a dangerous ball across the penalty area, where Yirenkyi arrived to score his first international goal in the 95th minute.