The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues on Wednesday with four intriguing fixtures across North America as Portugal, England, Ghana and Colombia begin their campaigns alongside DR Congo, Croatia, Panama and World Cup debutants Uzbekistan.
The day's action gets underway with a historic Group K encounter between Portugal and DR Congo in Houston, where the African side returns to football's biggest stage for the first time in more than five decades.
Portugal carries the weight of expectation after another successful cycle that saw them win the UEFA Nations League in 2025 and comfortably secure qualification. It is one of Europe's most consistent tournament performers, progressing beyond the group stage in four of the last five World Cups and regularly competing for major honours.
Led by a blend of experienced internationals and emerging stars from Europe's elite clubs, the Seleção arrive in Texas on the back of victories over the United States (US), Chile and Nigeria and will be expected to take maximum points from their opening fixture.
DR Congo, however, will be eager to mark their return with a statement result. The Leopards are appearing at the World Cup for the first time since 1974 after navigating a difficult qualification route that included success in the African playoffs before defeating Jamaica in the FIFA Intercontinental Playoff final. While they begin as underdogs, the Congolese will hope their physicality and pace can trouble one of the tournament favourites.
England national football team during a past fixture. (Photo: England football team/Facebook)
Attention will then shift to Dallas, where England and Croatia renew one of the modern era's most compelling World Cup rivalries in Group L.
The fixture evokes memories of the 2018 World Cup semi-final in Moscow when Croatia came from behind to defeat England 2-1 after extra time on their way to a historic appearance in the final. Eight years later, both nations once again arrive with ambitions of making a deep run.
England are among the bookmakers’ favourites to lift the trophy, boasting a squad rich in world-class talent such as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice.
Croatia, meanwhile, continue to punch above their weight on the international stage. Runners-up in 2018 and semi-finalists in 2022, the Balkan nation has built a reputation for resilience, tactical discipline and midfield control. Veteran captain Luka Modrić remains the heartbeat of the side and will once again be tasked with dictating the tempo against England's energetic midfield.
Later in Toronto, Ghana begin their quest for a first World Cup knockout appearance since 2010 when they take on Panama.
The Ghana national team when they landed in Rhode Island, USA. (Photo: Black Stars/X)
The Black Stars arrive in Canada under new head coach Carlos Queiroz, following a disappointing run of results that included defeats to Austria, Germany and Mexico. Ghana have not won any of their last seven matches and faces questions over its defensive solidity after conceding heavily during recent friendlies.
However, the West Africans still possess plenty of attacking quality. Mohammed Kudus, Ernest Nuamah, Antoine Semenyo and captain Jordan Ayew will be expected to carry Ghana's hopes against a Panama side aiming to reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
Panama impressed during CONCACAF qualifying and has shown signs of growth since their World Cup debut in 2018. With the expanded tournament allowing the best third-placed teams to advance, Los Canaleros will believe a positive result against Ghana could significantly boost their qualification chances.
The final fixture of the day sees World Cup debutants Uzbekistan face Colombia in Mexico City.
Colombian national team training in San Diego, California. (Photo: Colombia/X)
After years of near misses, Uzbekistan finally secured qualification and now has the opportunity to make history in its first-ever World Cup appearance. Under World Cup-winning coach Fabio Cannavaro, the Central Asians have embraced a disciplined tactical approach and will rely heavily on experienced striker Eldor Shomurodov and Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov.
Standing in their way is a Colombian side eager to re-establish itself among the tournament's elite. The South Americans finished strongly in CONMEBOL qualifying, and is ranked among the world's top teams. Led by Liverpool star Luis Díaz and veteran playmaker James Rodríguez, Colombia possesses the attacking quality required to challenge for a place in the latter stages.
With four fascinating contests featuring former finalists, continental champions, African hopefuls and ambitious newcomers, Wednesday promises another compelling chapter in what is already shaping up to be the biggest and most expansive FIFA World Cup in history.
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