LOS ANGELES: England overcame a spirited challenge from Croatia to secure a 4-2 victory in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 match on Wednesday, while Portugal suffered a major setback after being held to a 1-1 draw by the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In a thrilling Group L encounter at the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium in Texas, England twice surrendered the lead before producing a dominant second-half display to claim all three points.
Captain Harry Kane scored twice, while Jude Bellingham and substitute Marcus Rashford added second-half goals as England launched their campaign to end a six-decade wait for a major international trophy.
Kane opened the scoring from the penalty spot after being allowed to retake his effort when Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic was ruled to have moved off his line. Croatia responded through Martin Baturina before Kane restored England’s advantage with a powerful header, equalling Gary Lineker’s national record of 10 World Cup goals.
However, England’s defensive vulnerabilities were exposed again when Petar Musa levelled for Croatia in first-half stoppage time.
The match turned decisively after the break as England raised the tempo. Bellingham put his side ahead with a composed finish after outrunning his marker before Rashford sealed the victory with five minutes remaining.
Kane credited England manager Thomas Tuchel’s half-time intervention for the team’s improved second-half performance.
The victory places England at the top of Group L alongside Ghana, who defeated Panama 1-0 in dramatic fashion later on Wednesday.
In Houston, Portugal were frustrated by a determined Democratic Republic of Congo side as Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance ended in disappointment.
Joao Neves gave Portugal the lead during the first half, but Yoane Wissa headed home an equaliser in stoppage time to secure DR Congo’s first-ever World Cup point.
The result is likely to intensify scrutiny of Portugal coach Roberto Martinez’s continued reliance on the 41-year-old Ronaldo, who struggled to make an impact against the Congolese defence.
Martinez defended his decision to start the veteran forward, insisting that removing one of football’s most prolific goalscorers would have made little sense in a match where Portugal needed goals.
The draw represented a historic achievement for DR Congo, whose preparations for the tournament were disrupted by an Ebola outbreak at home.
Elsewhere, Ghana secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in Toronto after Caleb Yirenkyi scored a stoppage-time winner to give the Black Stars a crucial three points in Group L.
In Group K, Colombia opened their campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over World Cup debutants Uzbekistan at the Estadio Azteca.
Luis Diaz starred for the South Americans, providing an assist for Daniel Munoz before scoring himself in the second half. Abbosbek Fayzullaev briefly levelled for Uzbekistan, but Diaz restored Colombia’s lead before Jaminton Campaz added a late third goal.
The results leave England and Ghana level on three points in Group L ahead of their meeting in Boston on June 23, while Portugal face mounting pressure to revive their campaign after a disappointing start against DR Congo.