TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Portugal secured their place in the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup after a dominant 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, while England were frustrated in a goalless draw against Ghana in Wednesday's Group K and Group L action.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal cruised to a comfortable win at NRG Stadium in Houston. Meanwhile, England controlled possession for long stretches against Ghana in Boston but failed to find a breakthrough, leaving qualification in Group L undecided heading into the final round of matches.
Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan
Cristiano Ronaldo starred as Portugal overwhelmed Uzbekistan to book their spot in the knockout stage of the tournament.
Portugal took the lead after only six minutes when Joao Cancelo delivered a precise cross for Ronaldo, who finished calmly into the bottom corner.
The advantage doubled in the 17th minute through Nuno Mendes, whose curling free-kick found the top corner beyond goalkeeper Abduvakhid Nematov.
Uzbekistan briefly thought they had reduced the deficit when Azizjon Ganiev scored in the 29th minute, but the effort was ruled out following a VAR review for a foul in the build-up.
Portugal extended their lead before halftime when Ronaldo netted his second goal in the 39th minute after being picked out by Bruno Fernandes inside the penalty area.
The Portuguese side continued to dominate after the break. Nematov endured a difficult evening and accidentally turned the ball into his own net in the 60th minute to make it 4-0.
Substitute Rafael Leao completed the scoring in the 83rd minute, unleashing a powerful strike into the top corner just minutes after entering the match.
The victory sent Portugal through to the knockout stage, while Uzbekistan's World Cup campaign came to an end.
Starting Lineups
Portugal: Diogo Costa; Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Antonio Silva, Nuno Mendes; Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Joao Neves; Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto.
Uzbekistan: Abduvakhid Nematov; Rustam Ashurmatov, Abdukodir Khusanov, Farrukh Sayfiyev, Khojiakbar Alijonov; Otabek Shukurov, Azizbek Turgunboev, Jaloliddin Masharipov; Azizjon Ganiev, Eldor Shomurodov, Abbosbek Fayzullaev.
England 0-0 Ghana
England were unable to break down a disciplined Ghana side and settled for a frustrating draw at Boston Stadium.
Thomas Tuchel's men controlled the match from the outset, enjoying overwhelming possession and pushing Ghana deep into their own half.
Despite their dominance, England struggled to create clear chances. Their best opportunity of the first half came when Declan Rice headed over from Noni Madueke's cross in the 37th minute.
England maintained the pressure after halftime, with Madueke and Anthony Gordon both wasting promising openings.
The closest the Three Lions came to scoring arrived when Nico O'Reilly struck the crossbar after coming off the bench.
Ghana defended resolutely throughout the contest, with goalkeeper Benjamin Asare and the backline successfully resisting England's repeated attacks.
The result leaves Group L finely balanced. England remain top of the standings with four points, while Ghana are level on four points and remain firmly in contention for a place in the knockout rounds.
England will face Panama in their final group-stage match, while Ghana take on Croatia.
Starting Lineups
England (4-2-3-1): Jordan Pickford; Djed Spence (O'Reilly 66'), Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Reece James; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson; Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon (Saka 65'), Noni Madueke (Rashford 83'); Harry Kane.
Ghana (4-3-3): Benjamin Asare; Jonas Adjetey, Gideon Mensah, Jerome Opoku, Marvin Senaya; Caleb Yirenkyi, Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo; Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew (Adu 66', Baba 90+5'), Inaki Williams (Fatawu 66').
Read: Three Countries, One World Cup, but Why?
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