World Cup 2026: Ronaldo's Debut, England-Croatia Showdown Headline Group Stage Openers

The 2026 World Cup is kicking off its group stage, with the 11th and 12th groups set to play their opening matches. The tournament features high-profile stars and intense matchups as teams begin their quest for the title.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal faces the Democratic Republic of Congo in the first match of the day. The African team, which qualified for the World Cup after a difficult campaign, includes three players from the Greek Super League: Baotubinsika, Mutusami, and Kakuta. Portugal, considered a strong dark horse for the title, is aiming for a win in their opening game.

The evening features a highly anticipated match between England and Croatia, described as a "final" in its own right. England aims to make its mark in the World Cup, while Croatia seeks to prove it is still a formidable force. This game is expected to be one of the most high-quality contests of the group stage's opening round.

Following the England-Croatia clash, Ghana will play Panama in what appears to be a closely contested match. Ghana is considered the favorite, but Panama is a dangerous opponent, and the winner will gain a significant advantage in advancing from the group.

Later, Uzbekistan makes its World Cup debut against Colombia. The South American team is a strong contender and a favorite in this match, which is scheduled for early Thursday morning.