The 2026 FIFA World Cup is charging full steam ahead as we enter Day 8 of the tournament. Wednesday’s action saw Groups K and L kick off with thrilling results — including a major upset, a goal-fest, and a stoppage-time winner. Here’s everything you need to know.
📊 Day 7 Results (Wednesday, June 17)
| Group | Match | Result | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| J | Austria vs. Jordan | 3-1 Austria | Austria dominates in Santa Clara |
| K | Portugal vs. DR Congo | 1-1 DRAW | Stunner — DR Congo earns first point vs Portugal |
| K | Uzbekistan vs. Colombia | 1-3 Colombia | Luis Diaz stars; Uzbekistan scores first WC goal ever |
| L | England vs. Croatia | 4-2 England | Kane brace, Bellingham stunner in thriller |
| L | Ghana vs. Panama | 1-0 Ghana | Yirenkyi stoppage-time winner! |
🔥 Key Moments from Day 7
🇵🇹 Portugal 1-1 DR Congo — Shocker in Houston
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, was effectively neutralized by a disciplined DR Congo defense in what was supposed to be a straightforward Portugal opener. Joao Neves put Portugal ahead early, but Yoane Wissa equalized just before halftime to earn Congo a well-deserved point in their first World Cup appearance since 1974. The result puts Group K wide open.
🏴 England 4-2 Croatia — Thriller in Dallas
In what may be the match of the tournament so far, Harry Kane bagged a first-half brace (tying his World Cup goal record) only for Croatia to level through Martin Baturina and Petar Musa. Jude Bellingham scored immediately after halftime and Marcus Rashford added an insurance goal to seal a memorable 4-2 win for the Three Lions in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup debut.
🇬🇭 Ghana 1-0 Panama — Last-Gasp Drama
Caleb Yirenkyi’s stoppage-time goal gave Ghana a dramatic 1-0 win over Panama in Toronto. The Black Stars deserved the three points but left it late, keeping Group L’s knockout race wide open.
🇨🇴 Colombia 3-1 Uzbekistan — Los Cafeteros Roll
Colombia showed why they are a dark horse contender. Daniel Munoz opened the scoring with a beautiful flick, Luis Diaz scored his first World Cup goal, and substitute Leandro Campaz added a stoppage-time dagger. Uzbekistan did score their first-ever World Cup goal through Abbosbek Fayzullaev — a historic moment for the debutants.
🏆 Golden Boot Watch
| Player | Team | Goals | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | Argentina | 3 (hat trick vs Algeria) 🔥 | Tied with Klose for most WC goals all-time |
| Harry Kane | England | 2 (brace vs Croatia) | In top form |
| Kylian Mbappe | France | 2 | Opened account vs Senegal |
| Erling Haaland | Norway | 2 | Dominant vs Iraq |
📅 Today’s Schedule — Thursday, June 18 (Day 8)
Today features Matchday 2 for Groups A and B. Four games across North America:
| Time (ET) | Group | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00 PM | A | Czechia vs. South Africa | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
| 3:00 PM | B | Switzerland vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood |
| 6:00 PM | B | Canada vs. Qatar | BC Place, Vancouver |
| 9:00 PM | A | Mexico vs. South Korea | Estadio Akron, Zapopan |
Must-Watch: Mexico vs. South Korea 🇲🇽🇰🇷
The late kickoff in Guadalajara features host nation Mexico taking on a dangerous South Korea side. Mexico opened with a 2-0 win over South Africa, while South Korea beat Czechia 2-1. Expect a raucous atmosphere at Estadio Akron.
Keep an Eye: Czechia vs. South Africa 🇨🇿🇿🇦
Both teams lost their openers. The loser here faces elimination. Expect desperation from the opening whistle in Atlanta.
🔮 What to Watch For
- Christian Pulisic’s calf — the USMNT star remains day-to-day ahead of Friday’s clash with Australia in Seattle
- African resurgence — five African teams have already earned points at this World Cup
- Messi chasing history — with 16 World Cup goals, he is tied with Klose for the all-time record
❓ FAQ
Where can I watch World Cup 2026 matches?
Matches are broadcast on Fox Sports (English) and Telemundo/Universo (Spanish) in the US, plus streaming on Fubo and Peacock.
How does the new format work?
48 teams are split into 12 groups of 4. The top 2 from each group advance, plus the 8 best third-place teams — forming a new Round of 32.
When is the World Cup 2026 Final?
The final is Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Who are the favorites so far?
Argentina (Messi hat trick), England (4-2 win over Croatia), and Germany (7-1 vs Curacao) have looked most impressive in the opening week.
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