2026 World Cup

England slip up against Ghana. Portugal and Ronaldo show no mercy to Uzbekistan

In Group K, Colombia have progressed to the round of 16 after beating Congo 1–0. Portugal won 5–0 thanks to a brace from CR7. Croatia beat Panama 1–0

by Marco Bellinazzo

24 June 2026

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Il ghanese Caleb Yirenkyi (3) commette fallo sul portiere inglese Jordan Pickford (1) durante la partita di calcio del Gruppo L dei Mondiali tra Inghilterra e Ghana, disputata martedì 23 giugno 2026 a Foxborough, nel Massachusetts, vicino a Boston. (AP Photo/Charlie Krupa/APS)

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

CR7 could not stand by and watch any longer. Taking advantage of the match against Uzbekistan, he scored a historic brace that makes him the first and only player to have found the net in six World Cup tournaments. England, on the other hand, failed to keep up with the big guns and were held to a goalless draw by Ghana.

Portugal v Uzbekistan 5–0

Apologies for the delay. At the NRG Stadium in Houston, Cristiano Ronaldo officially joined what has become the ‘World Cup of goalscorers’ and scored a superb brace, becoming the first player in history to score in six World Cup tournaments.

After the unexpected draw in their opening match against Congo, they couldn’t afford to slip up. And Portugal didn’t slip up, turning the pressure into a winning strategy – one of those evenings when technical prowess translates immediately into results. Roberto Martínez’s Seleção had the job done against Uzbekistan within the first forty-five minutes, managing their lead with almost clinical precision.

The breakthrough came in the 6th minute: Cristiano Ronaldo met Cancelo’s cross at the near post to make it 1–0. It was the goal that got the ball rolling. In the 17th minute, Nuno Mendes doubled the lead with a free-kick from the edge of the box, a strike that underlined their territorial dominance (and which a goal-hungry CR7 allows him to take). Shortly before half-time, Ronaldo capitalises once more on a through ball from Bruno Fernandes: 3–0 in the 39th minute and the match is virtually over.

The second half was a mere formality: in the 60th minute, Nematov’s own goal from a corner highlighted the Uzbeks’ disarray, whilst in the 87th minute Rafael Leão scored the fifth goal, completing Portugal’s ‘five-goal haul’. For Fabio Cannavato’s side, it was an expected defeat, although they did not entirely disappoint.

Colombia v DR Congo 1–0

In Guadalajara, at the Estadio Akron, Colombia and Congo are playing a match that feels almost like a negotiation – a long, deadlocked one, where every bit of space comes at a price.

The “Cafeteros” built up their play but came up against a goalkeeper – Mpasi – who managed to keep the score level for over an hour. Then, as with any precarious balance, the moment that decided the match arrived: in the 76th minute, Daniel Muñoz capitalised on a defensive lapse to make it 1–0.

In the closing stages, Congo launched an attack, but Colombia handled the situation with composure, securing three points that have already put them on course for qualification.

Group K Standings

Colombia – 6 points

Portugal – 4 points

DR Congo – 1 point

Uzbekistan – 0 points

Colombia have mathematically qualified for the round of 16 with one matchday to spare. Portugal simply need to avoid defeat in their head-to-head clash. The Democratic Republic of the Congo must beat Uzbekistan, who are already out of the running, and hope to finish among the top eight third-placed teams across the 12 groups.

England v Ghana 0–0

England faltered at Foxborough, at Gillette Stadium. A draw that feels like a missed opportunity, given the British side’s attacking potential, which they were, however, unable to capitalise on.

The Three Lions are creating chances but failing to convert them. Kane is left isolated and the team is struggling to get behind the defence. Ghana are defending with discipline, turning the match into a low-risk affair.

The 0-0 draw leaves Group L wide open.

Panama v Croatia 0–1

Croatia opted for a measured approach in their match against Panama, an opponent that proved particularly tough. In Toronto, at BMO Field, the decisive goal came in the second half, in the 54th minute, courtesy of Budimir: a goal that allowed the Balkan side to capitalise on a closely contested match and secure three vital points. Panama tried to get back into the game, but lacked quality in the final third. The result effectively seals the Central Americans’ elimination.

Group L Standings

England – 4 points

Ghana – 4 points

Croatia – 3 points

Panama – 0 points

England remain the favourites to top the group, as they face Panama in their final match. Ghana, the group’s surprise package – a solid and reliable side – and Croatia will have everything to play for in their head-to-head clash on the final matchday.