Cristiano Ronaldo in the match against DR Congo on Wednesday. Ronaldo and Portugal suffered a disappointing draw. AFP/VNA Photo

Anh Đức & Thanh Nga

AUSTIN — Cristiano Ronaldo's first game at his sixth World Cup ended with a disappointing draw against DR Congo in Group K.

A day after his career rival Lionel Messi scored a hat trick and equalled the World Cup goalscoring record, the pressure was on Ronaldo to perform. But his display can be summed up in one word: invisible.

Portugal did have a great start to the match, opening the score through Joao Neves' header in the sixth minute. DR Congo however, did not falter, and with a methodical approach in defence, they forced Roberto Martinez's team to make inefficient backpasses and square passes.

Just as the fans were ready for the break, Newcastle United's Yoane Wissa shocked the world by equalising with a towering header.

Portugal and Ronaldo spent the remaining 45 minutes chasing the winning goal, but to no avail. A notable moment came in the 68th minute when Ronaldo could have left the ball for Bruno Fernandes, who had a better shooting position, but CR7 chose to take the shot himself, which went wide.

Harry Kane celebrating his second goal against Croatia on Wednesday. AFP/VNA Photo

Kane double drowns Croatia

At the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, England started their tournament with a bang, winning 4-2 against European rivals Croatia.

England were awarded an early penalty after Noni Madueke was brought down in the box by Luka Modric in the 10th minute. Kane's first attempt was saved but VAR ordered it to be taken again because Dominik Livakovic had moved off his line before the shot was struck. 

The England captain made no mistake in his second attempt.

Croatia found the equaliser through Martin Baturina's powerful strike on the counter in the 36th minute, before Kane reclaimed England's lead six minutes later with a header. Just before the break, Petar Musa brought the game back to square one with a cheeky tap-in.

Another England star rose to the occasion after the break, as Jude Bellingham pulled off a wonder strike just 90 seconds after the second half began. England could have scored at least three more goals in the second half had it not been for Livakovic's talent. The Three Lions eventually secured the win with a fourth goal by Marcus Rashford in the 85th minute.

Caleb Yirenkyi celebrating his injury time game winner. AFP/VNA Photo

Yirenkyi strikes late as Ghana edge Panama in Group L

Ghana secured a narrow 1-0 win over Panama in their Group L opener at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with Caleb Yirenkyi scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner.

Panama, considered slight underdogs, started brightly and nearly took the lead in the second minute when Cecilio Waterman’s long-range effort forced a save from goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi.

The match then settled into a balanced contest, with few clear chances created by either side. Panama enjoyed more possession in the first half but struggled to break down Ghana’s defence.

After the break, Ghana increased the tempo and looked more threatening. Jonas Adjetey came close in the 48th minute with a header, while Panama’s best chance fell to Christian Martínez on the hour mark, but his effort went narrowly wide.

As the match appeared to be headed for a draw, Ghana found a late breakthrough. In the fifth minute of added time, Brandon Thomas-Asante set up Yirenkyi, who calmly finished past Orlando Mosquera to seal all three points.

The result gives Ghana an important early advantage in the group standings.

Luis Diaz playing against Uzbekistan. AFP/VNA Photo

Colombia beat Uzbekistan 3-1 to go top of Group K

Colombia secured a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan to climb to the top of Group K, putting pressure on Portugal in the race for qualification.

The South Americans were widely expected to win, but Uzbekistan proved resilient for much of the match. Colombia asserted their superiority early on, dominating possession and creating several chances in the first half.

However, it was not until the 41st minute that the deadlock was broken. Luis Díaz delivered a precise cross into the box, allowing Muñoz to burst forward and finish clinically past the Uzbek goalkeeper.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with both teams battling in midfield. Uzbekistan caused a surprise in the 60th minute when Abbosbek Fayzullayev headed home from close range after a shot by Eldor Shomurodov, marking the nation’s first-ever World Cup goal.

The equaliser was short-lived. Just five minutes later, Díaz restored Colombia’s lead with a composed finish after a well-timed run into the penalty area.

Uzbekistan pushed forward in search of another equaliser, but left gaps at the back. In stoppage time, Jaminton Leandro Campaz sealed the win with a header, ensuring all three points for Colombia. — VNS