Match News
Match previews and recaps
In-depth match previews and recaps for football matches from leagues around the world. Each preview includes team form analysis, key player insights, head-to-head records, and score predictions to help you stay ahead of the game.
South Africa vs Korea Republic
South Africa arrive at the Estadio BBVA in Monterrey knowing only a win keeps their World Cup alive. After losing to Mexico and scraping a draw with Czechia, Hugo Broos's side must attack — a scenario that plays directly into South Korea's transitional strengths. The Koreans sit second in Group A and need just a point to advance. The big blow for Bafana Bafana is the suspension of Teboho Mokoena, who converted the equalizing penalty against Czechia but picked up a second yellow card. In his absence, Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster must step up in the final third. South Korea's Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in remain the main creative threat in transition, with Kim Min-jae anchoring a defense that has been difficult to break down. Korea's Matchday 3 record speaks for itself — they toppled Germany in 2018 and Portugal in 2022 in the final group game. With South Africa forced to leave space, expect Son and company to punish on the counter. Our prediction: 0-2
Czechia vs Mexico
Mexico head into this final Group A fixture already through to the round of 32, while Czechia desperately need three points to keep their tournament alive — a draw almost certainly sends them home. The stakes couldn't be more contrasting, making this a fascinating clash of motivations at the Estadio Azteca. Coach Javier Aguirre is set to rotate, but Mexico have quality in reserve. Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa — the 40-year-old legend at his sixth World Cup — could earn a sentimental farewell on home soil. Czechia look to Patrik Schick to end his goal drought, while captain Ladislav Krejčí must avoid a yellow card that would trigger a suspension. Left back David Jurásek remains out with a thigh injury. Mexico are unbeaten in eight World Cup matches at the Azteca and have yet to concede a goal this tournament. Even with a rotated side, the hosts should have too much quality for a desperate but depleted Czechia. Our prediction: 1-2
Scotland vs Brazil
Everything is on the line for Scotland. One point in this Group C finale would send them to the knockout stage for the first time in history, while Brazil — already top of the group — want to seal first place and carry maximum momentum into the knockouts. Scotland beat Haiti 1-0 but couldn't muster a single shot on target in a narrow defeat to Morocco. Brazil have grown into the tournament: after a 1-1 draw with Morocco, they dismantled Haiti 3-0, with Matheus Cunha netting twice and Vinicius Júnior also on the scoresheet. Vinicius Júnior is the standout threat, involved in six goals across his last five internationals. Brazil lose Raphinha to injury, but teenage winger Rayan impressed as his replacement. Scotland have fitness doubts over Scott McKenna and Aaron Hickey, with John McGinn and Scott McTominay tasked with controlling midfield. Brazil's depth and the Miami heat give Ancelotti's side the clear edge, but Scotland's defensive grit will make it uncomfortable. Our prediction: 1-2
Morocco vs Haiti
With Morocco and Brazil level on four points, Group C's top spot could come down to goal difference — giving this final group game real teeth. Haiti, already eliminated and goalless in two outings, makes their first World Cup appearance since 1974, playing purely for pride. The Atlas Lions have looked sharp: a 1-1 draw with Brazil and a 1-0 win over Scotland, with Ismael Saibari netting twice to emerge as their standout performer. Achraf Hakimi continues to menace from right back while Brahim Díaz pulls strings in midfield. Morocco are without Aguerd and Abde through injury. For Haiti, Wilson Isidor's pace and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde's midfield drive are their best weapons — though five shots on target across two games tells its own story. Morocco will attack with purpose, chasing the goal difference that could hand them group leadership over Brazil. Our prediction: 3-0
Switzerland vs Canada
Both teams arrive in Vancouver level on four points in Group B, making this a straight shootout for top spot. Canada leads on goal difference and can seal first place with a draw; Switzerland must win to overtake them and claim the better knockout path. Switzerland carry momentum from a five-match unbeaten run, highlighted by a dominant 4-1 win over Bosnia. Captain Granit Xhaka pulls the strings in midfield while Breel Embolo has already opened his account this tournament. Canada made history on matchday two when Jonathan David netted a hat-trick in a 6-0 demolition of Qatar — the first World Cup treble by a host-nation player since Geoff Hurst in 1966. Alphonso Davies provides explosive pace down the left flank. Switzerland are without left-back Miro Muheim through injury, while Canada lose midfielder Ismael Koné after his leg fracture against Qatar. Expect a cagey, tactical affair — Canada will not chase a win they do not need, and Switzerland know one slip ends their run at the top. Our prediction: 1-1
Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Qatar
Bosnia & Herzegovina and Qatar arrive at Lumen Field in Seattle on one point apiece, knowing that only a win can keep their World Cup dream alive. A draw eliminates both sides, making this a knockout tie in everything but name. Bosnia were beaten 4–1 by Switzerland on matchday two, while Qatar suffered a humiliating 6–0 rout at the hands of co-hosts Canada. Veteran striker Edin Džeko, still dangerous at 40, leads Bosnia's attack alongside lively wide forwards Kerim Alajbegović and Esmir Bajraktarević. Qatar head into this one badly depleted, with both Homam Ahmed and Assim Madibo suspended after red cards against Canada. Bosnia will also be without suspended centre-back Tarik Muharemović, but their European club pedigree and superior squad depth give them a clear edge. Opta's supercomputer backed the Dragons in nearly two-thirds of pre-match simulations — and it's hard to argue against them here. Our prediction: 2-0
Colombia vs Congo DR (1 - 0)
Colombia ground out a hard-fought 1-0 victory over DR Congo in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group K clash, with Daniel Muñoz's deflected strike in the 76th minute finally breaking through a wall of stubborn resistance. DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau was the story for much of the match, making save after save to frustrate a Colombia side that dominated with 64% possession and unleashed 20 shots. When Muñoz did beat him, it needed a fortunate deflection — set up by substitute Juan Fernando Quintero — to finally do the damage. Luis Díaz then had two further goals ruled out in the frantic closing stages, adding drama to an already nervy afternoon. The win sends Colombia through to the knockout round as Group K leaders, setting up a blockbuster final group game against Portugal for top spot. DR Congo are not done yet — a victory over Uzbekistan in their last group match could still be enough to advance.
Panama vs Croatia (0 - 1)
Croatia edged Panama 1-0 at BMO Field in Toronto on June 23, claiming their first points at the 2026 World Cup. The standout moment of the first half came from goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, whose stunning save to tip José Rodríguez's header onto the crossbar in the 23rd minute preserved the scoreless draw at half-time. Ante Budimir, introduced at the interval, made an immediate impact — tapping home at the far post in the 54th minute after a crisp right-flank combination between Stanisic and Pasalic. Panama pushed hard for an equalizer, with Cecilio Waterman thrown into the attack in the 72nd minute, but Livakovic and the Croatia backline held firm to the final whistle. Croatia now sit third in Group L with three points and a credible path to the knockout rounds. Panama, shut out in both of their Group L matches, are officially eliminated — their tournament over without a single goal scored.
England vs Ghana (0 - 0)
England were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Ghana in their Group L clash at Boston Stadium. The night's defining moment came in the 90th minute when Fatawu sensationally cleared Marc Guehi's header off the line, denying the Three Lions what would have been a dramatic late winner. There were no goals, red cards or penalties, though Declan Rice earned a yellow card in the 41st minute. England's best chance earlier came when O'Reilly's header struck the crossbar in the 86th minute and Kane's follow-up sailed over. Ghana went close too when Adu broke clean through on Jordan Pickford but was flagged offside. Thomas Partey marshalled Ghana's defensive effort superbly, limiting Saka and Madueke to half-chances throughout, while goalkeeper Benjamin Asare pulled off a crucial save. England managed only three shots on target from 19 attempts and must find a cutting edge before facing Panama in their final group game. Ghana, buoyed by this resilient defensive display, face Croatia in what promises to be a decisive decider.
Portugal vs Uzbekistan (5 - 0)
Portugal swept past World Cup debutants Uzbekistan 5-0 in Houston, with Cristiano Ronaldo making history as the first player ever to score in six different FIFA World Cups. At 41, he opened the match in six minutes and ended the first half with a stunning brace. Ronaldo's opener came via a João Cancelo cross in the 6th minute, before Nuno Mendes drilled a free-kick low into the near post in the 16th. Ronaldo doubled up in the 39th from a Bruno Fernandes through ball to put Portugal firmly in control. After the break, Abduvohid Nematov deflected into his own net for 4-0 in the 60th minute, and Rafael Leão capped the rout with a sharp finish in the 87th. No red cards or penalties. The win sends Portugal top of Group K with three points and a commanding goal difference, while Uzbekistan face a steep climb in their first-ever World Cup campaign. Ronaldo's milestone gave the whole performance a historic feel that goes well beyond the scoreline.
Jordan vs Algeria (1 - 2)
Algeria came from behind to beat Jordan 2-1 in a tense World Cup group stage clash at Levi's Stadium, with two late set-piece goals sealing the comeback after the Chivalrous Ones had threatened one of the tournament's early surprises. Nizar Al-Rashdan gave Jordan the lead on 36 minutes with a crisp outside-of-the-boot finish to the far corner, punishing a Desert Warriors side that had dominated but seen Riyad Mahrez squander two clear chances. Algeria levelled through Nadhir Benbouali's towering header from a Mahrez corner in the 68th minute, before substitute Amine Gouiri nodded in another corner — delivered by Amin Hadj Moussa — on 82 minutes, surviving a VAR offside check. No red cards or penalties marred the contest. Jordan become the first team eliminated from Group J and face Argentina next with nothing to lose. Algeria, who hadn't won a World Cup match since 2014, now face Austria with a place in the knockout rounds on the line.
Norway vs Senegal (3 - 2)
Norway booked their place in the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Senegal at MetLife Stadium, Erling Haaland's brace proving the difference in a nerve-shredding Group I showdown. Substitute Marcus Holmgren Pedersen broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute after a Senegalese defensive mix-up, before Haaland made it 2-0 shortly after the break with a composed finish off Martin Ødegaard's through ball (48'). Ismaïla Sarr pulled one back in the 53rd to tighten things up, but Haaland restored the two-goal cushion in the 58th, volleying off the crossbar with his weaker right foot. Sarr added a late consolation in stoppage time (90+3'), but it came too late to matter. Norway advance alongside France from Group I, with a mouth-watering final group game against the French still ahead. Senegal now need a win against Iraq in their last match to keep any hope of progression alive.
France vs Iraq (3 - 0)
France sent a statement to the rest of the 2026 World Cup field, cruising to a commanding 3-0 victory over Iraq in Philadelphia — a result made even sweeter as it arrived on Kylian Mbappé's 100th international appearance. Mbappé opened the scoring in the 14th minute before a two-hour weather delay halted play at halftime due to heavy rain and lightning in the area. Unaffected by the disruption, he doubled the advantage in the 54th minute after the restart, drawing level with Miroslav Klose for second on the all-time World Cup scoring charts. Ousmane Dembélé rounded off the rout with a crisp finish in the 66th minute — his first ever World Cup goal. France advance confidently to the knockout rounds and face Norway on June 26. Iraq, still without a point and a goal, must quickly regroup before their must-win clash against Senegal.
Argentina vs Austria (2 - 0)
Argentina cruised to a 2-0 win over Austria at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, with Lionel Messi capping the match by breaking the all-time World Cup scoring record. The defending champions started nervously — Messi missed an early penalty, firing wide in the ninth minute. He made amends at 38', slotting home a low finish after a cutback from Facundo Medina. Deep in stoppage time he pounced on a rebound after Julian Alvarez's shot was parried by keeper Alexander Schlager, claiming his 18th World Cup goal and surpassing Miroslav Klose's long-standing record. No red cards, no real controversy — just class. Austria defended with discipline, David Alaba marshalling the backline well, but the gulf in quality told in the end. Argentina advance to the knockout stage with a perfect Group J record. Austria must now rely on results elsewhere to keep their tournament alive.
New Zealand vs Egypt (1 - 3)
Egypt staged a stunning second-half comeback at BC Place, Vancouver, to beat New Zealand 3-1 and claim their first-ever World Cup victory. Mohamed Salah was the difference-maker, finishing a goal and setting up another to end a decades-long wait. Finn Surman gave New Zealand an early lead with a 15th-minute header from a corner. Egypt equalised when Mostafa Zico nodded in unmarked from a Mohamed Hany cross in the 58th minute, before Salah slotted home after a sharp exchange with Zico in the 67th. Trezeguet added a third in the 82nd, diving to head in from Salah's corner delivery. No red cards or penalties featured. It's a landmark result for Egypt, who had never won at a World Cup before — across appearances in 1934, 1990, and 2018. Salah, 34, became the oldest African player to score and assist in a World Cup match. New Zealand competed well in the first half but couldn't hold off the Pharaohs, leaving Group G wide open.
Uruguay vs Cabo Verde (2 - 2)
Uruguay were held to a dramatic 2-2 draw by Cape Verde at Miami Stadium on June 21. The match's defining moment came early when Kevin Pina curled a stunning 30-yard free kick past the keeper, registering Cape Verde's first-ever World Cup goal and silencing a stunned La Celeste. Uruguay rallied with two goals in first-half stoppage time — Maxi Araújo converted a rebound (45') and Agustín Canobbio pounced on a loose ball (45+2') to lead 2-1 at the break. But Cape Verde levelled in the 61st minute when a blunder by Mathías Olivera gifted substitute Hélio Varela a tap-in into an empty net. Uruguay had a late goal ruled out for offside but couldn't find a winner. The result leaves Uruguay with just two points and a must-win final group game against Spain. Cape Verde, who also drew 0-0 with the Europeans in their opener, need only a point against Saudi Arabia to reach the Round of 32 in their historic World Cup debut.
Belgium vs IR Iran (0 - 0)
Belgium and Iran shared the spoils in a tense 0-0 draw in Group G at Los Angeles, with Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand the undisputed star — making seven saves, including a stunning point-blank stop to deny Maxim De Cuyper early in the second half. The drama started early: Mehdi Taremi thought he'd given Iran the lead in the 11th minute, only for VAR to rule him offside. The turning point came in the 66th minute when Belgium centre-back Nathan Ngoy miscontrolled the ball, gifted possession to Taremi, and fouled him through on goal — earning a straight red card. A man down, Belgium kept pressing. Dodi Lukébakio and Matias Fernandez-Pardo both went close in the closing stages, but Iran's disciplined rearguard refused to buckle. The result leaves both sides on two points in Group G, with Iran sitting top on goal difference. All four teams remain in contention, setting up a dramatic final matchday.
Spain vs Saudi Arabia (4 - 0)
Spain delivered a commanding statement in Atlanta, dismantling Saudi Arabia 4-0 to move to the top of Group H. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal set the tone early, becoming only the second player aged 18 or younger to open the scoring in a World Cup match — the other being a 17-year-old Pelé back in 1958. Yamal slid home at the back post in the 10th minute from a cross by Mikel Oyarzabal, who then took centre stage himself. Oyarzabal struck twice in the 23rd and 24th minutes to make it 3-0 before the half-hour was up. Hassan Altambakti added a own goal just before the break to complete the rout. No red cards, no drama — just relentless, clinical football. Oyarzabal was named player of the match after contributing to all three goals in a stunning 25-minute spell. The win is a timely boost for Spain, who had been held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Cape Verde in their opener. They sit on four points and in control of their group destiny. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, are left with just one point and facing an early exit.
Tunisia vs Japan (0 - 4)
Japan swept Tunisia aside 4-0 at the Estadio Monterrey, in a match that also marked the 1000th game in World Cup history. Daichi Kamada's goal inside four minutes signalled what was coming — a one-sided Group F demolition. Kamada flicked in a Keito Nakamura cross at the near post on four minutes to draw first blood. Ayase Ueda doubled the lead in the 31st with a composed 18-yard strike, and Junya Ito rolled the third past keeper Dahmen in the 69th. Ueda completed his brace in the 82nd, looping home a Kaishu Sano delivery to seal the rout. No red cards, no penalties — Japan's dominance was clean and total. Tunisia are eliminated, their second heavy defeat following a 5-1 opening loss to Sweden — a brutal tournament for Hervé Renard's side. Japan, meanwhile, climb to four points in Group F alongside the Netherlands, announcing themselves as genuine contenders after becoming the first AFC nation to score four goals in a single World Cup match.
Ecuador vs Curaçao (0 - 0)
Ecuador peppered the Curaçao goal all night at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City but were kept out by an astonishing Eloy Room, whose 15 saves secured a historic point for the Caribbean side in a goalless Group E stalemate. Enner Valencia wasted the golden chance early on, squandering a clear one-on-one, while Jhon Yeboah and Pedro Vite also went close as Ecuador finished with 75% possession and a 15-3 advantage in shots on target. The cards flew throughout — Jordy Alcívar (38') was booked for the hosts, with Leandro Bacuna (39'), Juninho Bacuna (53'), Livano Comenencia (56'), and Juriën Gaari (75') all cautioned for Curaçao. Juninho Bacuna also limped through a worrying knee scare. The point is monumental for Curaçao — their first ever in World Cup competition. For Ecuador, the frustration grows after another failed chance to get off the mark, but both sides remain alive heading into Matchday 3, with a last-16 berth still within reach despite opening-day defeats.
Netherlands vs Sweden (5 - 1)
Netherlands stormed to the top of Group F with a dominant 5-1 win over Sweden in Houston, bouncing back emphatically from their opening draw with Japan. The standout moment: Cody Gakpo's 54th-minute strike became the 100th goal of the 2026 World Cup. Brian Brobbey set the tone with a rapid brace in the 5th and 17th minutes. Sweden had a goal from Gustaf Lagerbielke ruled out for offside just before halftime, before Gakpo struck twice after the restart (47', 54'). Anthony Elanga pulled one back in the 59th, but substitute Crysencio Summerville sealed the rout in the 89th. Denzel Dumfries was relentless at right-back, contributing two assists. Netherlands now sit top of Group F on four points. Sweden—who had thrashed Tunisia 5-1 in their opener—drop to second on three but remain firmly in contention.
Brazil vs Haiti (3 - 0)
Brazil eased past Haiti 3-0 in Philadelphia, with Matheus Cunha delivering a clinical brace to secure the five-time champions' first Group C win and all but settle the contest before the break. Cunha struck first in the 22nd minute, reacting quickest after Vinícius Jr.'s shot was parried by goalkeeper Placides. He doubled the lead in the 35th with a composed left-footed finish from a Vini Jr. through ball. Vinícius Jr. got on the scoresheet himself just two minutes after the restart, driving in from the left to complete the rout. Raphinha was forced off through injury, while Carlens Arcus collected an early yellow card for the visitors. The result lifts Brazil to four points, level with Morocco at the top of Group C. For Haiti — already beaten by Scotland in their opener — it confirms their elimination, making them the first team officially out of the 2026 World Cup.
Scotland vs Morocco (0 - 1)
Morocco dealt Scotland's World Cup ambitions a serious blow in Foxborough, securing a 1-0 victory built on the tournament's fastest goal yet. Ismael Saibari needed just 71 seconds to break the deadlock, volleying into the top corner after Brahim Díaz slid him in down the right — a VAR check confirmed the strike was onside, and Morocco never relinquished control. Angus Gunn kept the deficit respectable with sharp stops from Achraf Hakimi and Bilal El Khannouss, while Scotland threatened fleetingly: John McGinn's acrobatic first-half volley flew over, a penalty appeal was waved away around the hour, and substitute Lyndon Dykes headed just wide from a late corner. Morocco move to four points in Group C and remain on course for the last 16. Scotland — who opened with a win over Haiti — stay alive but face a must-win finale to advance.
United States vs Australia (2 - 0)
Without their talisman Christian Pulisic, the United States delivered a composed and clinical display to beat Australia 2-0 at Lumen Field in Seattle, booking their place in the World Cup 2026 knockout round. The opening goal came just 11 minutes in, when Folarin Balogun's dangerous cross from the left forced Australian defender Cameron Burgess into an awkward own goal. USA doubled their lead before the break when Alex Freeman rose to head home after a deflected effort from Sergiño Dest. The goal was initially chalked off for offside, but a lengthy VAR review overturned the decision, sending the Seattle crowd into delirium. For the United States, it's a statement result — no Pulisic, no problem. A first clean sheet in ten matches caps a commanding display that cements their position at the top of Group D. Australia, meanwhile, find themselves in serious trouble and will need a result in their final group game to have any hope of advancing.
Türkiye vs Paraguay
Both Turkey and Paraguay go into this Group D encounter on zero points after opening defeats — making it a de facto knockout match, with the USA and Australia already pulling clear. Turkey fired 30 shots at Australia in round one yet still lost 2-0 — wasteful doesn't cover it. Ferdi Kadioglu created five chances from left back and Arda Güler tested the keeper repeatedly, but Kenan Yıldız is a doubt with a calf problem and may only manage a cameo. Paraguay were torn apart 4-1 by the USA, leaking three goals before half-time. Tonny Sanabria and Miguel Almiron must lead the fightback, but Ramon Sosa (ankle) and Gustavo Caballero (muscular) are both doubtful. Captain Hakan Çalhanoglu is the key man — if he controls midfield, Turkey's superior quality should shine through. Opta's simulations give them nearly a 50% chance of winning. Our prediction: 2-1
Mexico vs Korea Republic (1 - 0)
Mexico are into the knockout stages after a controlled 1-0 win over South Korea at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, the hosts sealing Group A with a second straight victory. The game's only goal arrived just after the break. South Korea keeper Kim Seung-gyu leapt for a cross but got tangled with his own teammate, leaving Luis Romo to convert the loose ball in the 50th minute. Kang-In Lee had been cautioned as early as the 4th minute, while Son Heung-min thought he'd levelled late on, only to be flagged offside. Mexico keeper Raúl Rangel then produced a crucial double save to keep the lead intact. The victory makes Mexico the first side to clinch a round-of-32 berth at the 2026 World Cup — a powerful statement on home soil. South Korea, who beat Czechia in their opener, now need a win in their final group game to guarantee their own progress.
Canada vs Qatar (6 - 0)
Canada made history at BC Place in Vancouver, crushing Qatar 6-0 to record the men's national team's first-ever World Cup victory. Jonathan David stole the show with a clinical hat-trick in front of a rapturous home crowd. Cyle Larin opened the scoring in the 16th minute before David struck twice before the break (29', 45'+3). Qatar's evening collapsed rapidly: Homam Al-Amin was dismissed in the 32nd minute after a VAR review for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, then Assim Madibo followed in the 46th for a reckless challenge on Ismaël Koné, who was stretchered off with a serious leg injury. Nathan Saliba curled home a free-kick (64'), a Qatar own goal made it five (75'), and David completed the rout deep in stoppage time. Canada sit top of Group B with a statement result, though Koné's injury casts a real shadow over what should be a purely joyous night. Qatar, reduced to nine men and outclassed in every department, face a bleak tournament.
Switzerland vs Bosnia-Herzegovina (4 - 1)
Switzerland swept aside Bosnia & Herzegovina with a dominant 4-1 victory in Group B at Los Angeles Stadium, powered by a brace from the electrifying Johan Manzambi. The Swiss never looked in danger from the moment they took control in the second half. Manzambi opened the scoring in the 74th minute before Rubén Vargas made it 2-0 in the 84th. Bosnia & Herzegovina's evening worsened when Tarik Muharemović was sent off for serious foul play, and Manzambi capitalised again in the 90th to complete his double. Ermin Mahmic grabbed a consolation in the 90+3rd, but Granit Xhaka had the last word, converting a penalty deep into stoppage time to seal the 4-1. The win gives Switzerland a major boost in Group B following their opening draw. For Bosnia & Herzegovina, the defeat leaves them in a desperate position with just one match remaining.
Czechia vs South Africa (1 - 1)
Czech Republic and South Africa played out a tense 1-1 draw at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, a Group A result shaped entirely by Teboho Mokoena's stoppage-time penalty that denied the Czechs what looked like a comfortable win. Michal Sadílek struck just six minutes in — the fastest goal of the 2026 World Cup so far — slotting home calmly to put Czech Republic in control. South Africa were already shorthanded, missing suspended midfielders Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane after both were sent off against Mexico. Mokoena himself picked up a yellow card in the 32nd minute as the visitors scrambled to stay in the game. With the clock winding down, Mokoena stepped up in the 83rd minute and drilled his penalty low into the bottom-left corner, sending the keeper the wrong way to steal a share of the spoils in seven minutes of added time. The draw keeps both nations alive in knockout stage contention, but Czech Republic will rue surrendering a lead they held for so long, while South Africa take genuine heart from a spirited late comeback after a bruising start to the tournament.
Uzbekistan vs Colombia (1 - 3)
Colombia opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over debutants Uzbekistan at the Azteca Stadium, with Luis Díaz the standout performer, contributing a goal and an assist to get Los Cafeteros up and running. Daniel Muñoz broke the deadlock on 40 minutes, converting a defence-splitting pass from Díaz, who had already struck the post nine minutes earlier. Uzbekistan silenced the critics momentarily when Abbosbek Fayzullayev headed home on the hour — the Central Asian side's first-ever goal at a World Cup — to level the score. The joy was short-lived: just five minutes later Díaz fired into the far corner to restore Colombia's lead. Bekhruz Karimov clattered the crossbar as Uzbekistan chased a second equaliser, but substitute Jaminton Campaz settled matters in stoppage time, heading home a cross from Cucho Hernández. The win sends Colombia top of Group K, while Uzbekistan, for all the pain of defeat, can leave with their heads held high — Fayzullayev's historic header ensuring their World Cup debut will be remembered.
Ghana vs Panama (1 - 0)
Caleb Yirenkyi broke Panamanian hearts deep in stoppage time, slotting home in the 95th minute to give Ghana a dramatic 1-0 win over Panama in their 2026 World Cup Group L opener at Toronto Stadium. It was the latest goal Ghana have ever scored at the tournament. Panama controlled 64 percent of possession in the first half and looked the more dangerous side. The match swung when Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi limped off injured at half-time, bringing on substitute Benjamin Asare, who responded with three crucial saves to keep the scores level. Antoine Semenyo was the Black Stars' creative engine throughout, and it was his involvement that sparked the winning move — Brandon Thomas-Asante's cross eventually finding Yirenkyi at the far post. Panama have now lost all four matches they have ever played at a World Cup. For Ghana, the three points — combined with England's 4-2 win over Croatia in the group's other game — leave them sitting second in Group L with momentum firmly behind them.
England vs Croatia (4 - 2)
England launched their 2026 World Cup campaign in style, powering past Croatia 4-2 in a breathless Group L thriller at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium. Harry Kane stole the show with a brace, reaching 10 World Cup goals to match Gary Lineker's all-time England record — sweet revenge for the 2018 semi-final defeat at Croatian hands. Kane's opener came from the penalty spot in the 12th minute after Dominik Livakovic saved his initial effort, only for referee Turpin to order a retake for encroachment — the foul conceded by Luka Modric. Martin Baturina (36') and Petar Musa (45+5') twice pulled Croatia level, with Kane's 42nd-minute header sandwiched between. Jude Bellingham steadied the ship on 47', and substitute Marcus Rashford finished it off in the 85th. England top Group L with all the momentum behind Thomas Tuchel's side, while Croatia — twice level and still beaten — face an early must-win situation to keep their World Cup alive.
Portugal vs Congo DR (1 - 1)
Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in Houston, a result that also made history — the Africans scoring their very first goal at a FIFA World Cup. João Neves headed Portugal ahead in the 6th minute from a Pedro Neto cross. Bernardo Silva picked up a yellow card for a rash 12th-minute challenge and was replaced at the break by Francisco Conceicao. DR Congo levelled deep into first-half added time when Yoane Wissa headed Arthur Masuaku's inswinging cross past Diogo Costa — a landmark strike in African football history. The second half saw João Cancelo have a goal ruled out for offside, and Cristiano Ronaldo — 41 years old and making his record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance — squander a glaring chance in the 69th minute. The draw leaves both sides level in Group K. For DR Congo, it is a cherished milestone; for Portugal, the blunt attack and Ronaldo's continued wastefulness are concerns that need urgent answers.
Austria vs Jordan (3 - 1)
Austria made a confident return to the World Cup stage after 28 years, beating debutants Jordan 3-1 in Group J at Santa Clara, with Marko Arnautovic's stoppage-time penalty providing the final flourish on a dramatic evening. Romano Schmid broke the deadlock on 21 minutes with a precisely curled finish into the far corner. Jordan levelled through Ali Olwan on 50 minutes — a moment of genuine quality that gave the first-time World Cup participants real belief. Austria retook the lead on 67 minutes when Yazan Al Arab diverted a corner into his own net. Arnautovic's immediate follow-up was ruled out for a Stefan Posch handball in the buildup, but the striker had the last laugh, burying a penalty deep in injury time to seal it. The result puts Austria in a strong early position in Group J as they target the knockout rounds for the first time in decades. Jordan can take some consolation from Olwan's strike — their nation's first-ever World Cup goal — but face a difficult road back.
Argentina vs Algeria (3 - 0)
Argentina kicked off their World Cup title defence in style, sweeping aside Algeria 3-0 in a Group J opener at Kansas City Stadium that belonged entirely to Lionel Messi and his first-ever hat-trick on the global stage. Messi broke the deadlock with a powerful 17th-minute strike from inside the box, added a second after a cross from Alexis Mac Allister in the 60th, then curled home the treble in the 76th. Both sides had early efforts disallowed for offside, and Emiliano Martínez produced a vital first-half save to keep the sheet clean. The feat arrived on Messi's 200th appearance for Argentina, drawing the 38-year-old level with Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals — an extraordinary milestone on an extraordinary night. Argentina sit top of Group J with a commanding opening statement. Algeria, who turned to Riyad Mahrez off the bench without reward, now face an early battle to stay alive in the tournament.
Iraq vs Norway (1 - 4)
Norway made a thunderous return to the World Cup stage, demolishing Iraq 4-1 in Boston. Erling Haaland's long-awaited debut was the headline act — two first-half goals that set the tone for a commanding Group I victory. Haaland poked home David Møller Wolfe's low cross in the 29th minute before Aymen Hussein briefly levelled with a powerful header on 39 minutes. Haaland restored the lead just before the break, deflecting the goalkeeper's clearance into the net. Leo Østigård headed in from a corner to make it 3-1 in the 76th minute, and Hussein capped a painful evening by turning Haaland's header into his own net deep in stoppage time. No red cards or penalties, but Iraq were punished for squandering several first-half chances to equalise. Norway are off to a flying start in their first World Cup since 1998, while Iraq — back at football's biggest stage for the first time since 1986 — will need to regroup quickly if they are to salvage their group stage campaign.
France vs Senegal (3 - 1)
France delivered a commanding 3-1 win over Senegal in their 2026 World Cup Group I opener at MetLife Stadium, with Kylian Mbappé stealing the show and becoming France's all-time leading scorer, surpassing Olivier Giroud with 58 international goals. Senegal were the better side before the break — Nicolas Jackson rattled the post and Ismaïla Sarr spurned a late chance — but France took control after halftime. Mbappé broke the deadlock on 66 minutes, assisted by Michael Olise, and substitute Bradley Barcola doubled the lead in the 82nd, set up by Adrien Rabiot. Stoppage time brought high drama: Ibrahim Mbaye, assisted by Iliman Ndiaye, pulled one back in the 90+5, only for Mbappé to immediately restore the advantage with a stunning long-range strike. France go top of Group I with maximum points, while Senegal must now regroup quickly ahead of matches against Iraq and Norway — their World Cup campaign already under serious pressure.