World Cup 2026 action on Tuesday into Wednesday produced major developments in the race for the knockout stage. England were surprisingly held by Ghana, Croatia kept their qualification hopes alive with a crucial win over Panama, Colombia continued their strong start, and Luka Modric marked a historic personal milestone for Croatia.
Portugal bounced back from a disappointing opening with a dominant 5-0 win over debutants Uzbekistan. Roberto Martinez’s side settled the match in the first half. Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice, Nuno Mendes added a superb free kick, and Portugal also benefited from an own goal and a strike by Rafael Leao. The result gave Portugal six points from two matches and moved it close to securing a place in the Round of 16.
Ronaldo also made history by scoring in his sixth different World Cup, becoming the first player ever to do so. His goal in the sixth minute was his 10th in World Cup finals, putting him at the top of Portugal’s all-time scorers in the tournament. The night came one day after Lionel Messi reached his own milestone, underscoring the rivalry between the era’s two superstars.
England and Ghana finished 0-0 in Group 12. Thomas Tuchel’s team, which had impressed with a 4-2 win over Croatia in its opener, controlled the game and took 19 shots, but only three were on target. Harry Kane missed a clear chance in the 89th minute, lifting the ball over the bar. England still lead the group heading into the final round.
Croatia beat Panama 1-0 after both had lost their opening matches. Ante Budimir scored in the 54th minute from a Josip Stanisic cross, keeping Croatia alive in the battle for the knockout places and eliminating Panama. Colombia beat the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 in Group 11, with Daniel Munoz scoring in the 76th minute after Luis Diaz had twice seen goals disallowed. Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi made seven saves, but Colombia continued to look strong.
Modric also reached his 200th appearance for Croatia. The 40-year-old captain, who led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final and third place in 2022, added another landmark to his international career.