The seventh day of the 2026 World Cup will complete the first round of the group stage. June 17 will mark the tournament debut of Uzbekistan‘s national team. The day will also feature Portugal’s national team with Ronaldo, as well as a classic clash between England and Croatia.
2026 FIFA World Cup
Group K, Round 1, June 17, Mexico City, Azteca Stadium
Uzbekistan vs. Colombia (first meeting)
Coaches: Fabio Cannavaro (Italy) / Néstor Lorenzo (Argentina)
Referee: Anthony Taylor (England)
National teams from Central Asia have not previously appeared at the World Cup. Uzbekistan is the only World Cup participant from the post-Soviet countries. Abdukodir Khusanov of Manchester City, Eldor Shomurodov and Abbosbek Fayzullaev of İstanbul Başakşehir, along with other representatives of a golden generation of talented Uzbek footballers, have formed a team defined by strict tactical discipline and a clear improvement in their tactical awareness.
The Uzbek team is defined by cohesive teamwork, an effective defensive structure, and quick transitions into attack. It relies on waiting for opponents’ mistakes and exploiting them through sharp counterattacks — an approach that has come to characterize this national side.
According to football expert Alisher Nikimbaev, who runs the Futbolium Telegram channel, all 26 Uzbek players will wear debut patches on their right sleeves in the match against Colombia. Players who take part in that match will not receive the patch for the second round. Substitutes will wear the patch once they make their first appearance at the World Cup. Notably, Lamine Yamal and Erling Haaland also started the tournament wearing these debut patches.
To have a chance of advancing from the group stage, Fabio Cannavaro’s side must secure all three points in their final group match against DR Congo, while first attempting to pick up a point against Colombia.
Colombia’s team, ranked 13th in FIFA, is capable of doing a lot at this tournament. Luis Díaz of FC Bayern, Minnesota’s midfielder James Rodríguez and former player of Arsenal and Napoli David Ospina are the stars of Argentine Néstor Lorenzo’s team.
The group’s first match will be crucial for Colombia. A victory would all but secure its place in the next round, allowing the South Americans to then focus on their clash with Portugal.
2026 FIFA World Cup
Group К, Round 1, June 17, Houston, NRG Stadium
Portugal vs. DR Congo (first meeting)
Coaches: Roberto Martínez (Spain) / Sébastien Desabre (France)
Referee: Abdulrahman Al-Jassim (Qatar).
DR Congo, returning to the World Cup after a 52-year absence (the country competed as Zaire in 1974), should be a suitable opponent for Portugal to ease into the tournament. Portugal’s best-ever World Cup finish remains third place in 1966. It may be time for the national team to add a new trophy to their museum. By 2030, Cristiano Ronaldo will already be 45.
2026 FIFA World Cup
Group L, Round 1, June 17, Arlington, AT&T Stadium
England vs. Croatia W6 D2 L3 (22-13)
Coaches: Thomas Tuchel (Germany) / Zlatko Dalić
Referee: Clément Turpin (France)
In Group L, England is widely regarded as one of the main favorites. The squad is expected to be highly competitive even without several high-profile players. It still features strong options across all lines, including Jordan Pickford in goal, John Stones in defense, Jude Bellingham in midfield, and Harry Kane in attack.
England finished the qualifying campaign with eight wins from eight matches, but Croatia remains a difficult opponent. If Luka Modrić, Ivan Perišić, Andrej Kramarić, and their teammates find a rhythm, Croatia is capable of causing problems for any opponent. England will not regard this match as straightforward.
The Ghana-Panama match has been somewhat overshadowed by the European fixtures, but Ghana remains a strong African side. It is expected to target a win in its opening match against Panama. That would put the team of Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz in a strong position to compete for progression from the group.
2026 FIFA World Cup
Group L, Round 1, June 17, Toronto, BMO Field
Ghana vs. Panama (first meeting)
Coaches: Carlos Queiroz (Portugal) / Thomas Tarín (Spain)
Referee: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
The 23rd FIFA World Cup runs until July 19. For the first time, it is being held across three countries — the U.S., Canada and Mexico — and features 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four. After the group stage, 32 teams advance to the knockout phase: the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams. The knockout stage starts with the round of 32.
