TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - England opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia, while Portugal were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Group K action on Wednesday.
The results leave England top of Group L with three points, while Portugal missed the chance to take an early lead in Group K after dropping points against DR Congo.
England 4-2 Croatia
Scorers:
- England: Harry Kane (12' pen, 42'), Jude Bellingham (47'), Marcus Rashford (85')
- Croatia: Martin Baturina (36'), Petar Musa (45+)
England made a strong start in Group L, defeating Croatia 4-2 at Dallas Stadium in Texas.
Harry Kane scored twice, including a penalty in the 12th minute and a header just before halftime, to equal Gary Lineker's record of 10 World Cup goals for England. Jude Bellingham restored England's lead early in the second half before substitute Marcus Rashford sealed the victory five minutes from time.
Croatia fought back twice through Martin Baturina and Petar Musa, ending the first half level at 2-2, but could not withstand England's second-half pressure.
The victory gives the Three Lions three points ahead of their next group-stage match.
Starting Lineups
England (4-2-3-1):
Jordan Pickford; Nico O'Reilly, John Stones (Marc Guehi 87'), Ezri Konsa, Reece James; Declan Rice (Morgan Rogers 72'), Elliot Anderson; Anthony Gordon (Marcus Rashford 72'), Jude Bellingham (Djed Spence 80'), Noni Madueke (Bukayo Saka 72'); Harry Kane.
Croatia (3-4-2-1):
Dominik Livakovic; Josko Gvardiol, Luka Vuskovic, Josip Sutalo; Ivan Perisic, Mario Pasalic (Andrej Kramaric 79'), Luka Modric (Mateo Kovacic 58'), Josip Stanisic; Petar Sucic, Martin Baturina; Petar Musa (Igor Matanovic 66').
Portugal 1-1 DR Congo
Scorers:
- Portugal: Joao Neves (6')
- DR Congo: Yoane Wissa (42')
Portugal were unable to secure all three points in their Group K opener after being held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo at Houston Stadium.
Cristiano Ronaldo made history by becoming only the second player, after Lionel Messi, to appear in six World Cups. However, the Portugal captain was unable to mark the occasion with a goal.
Portugal struck early when Joao Neves headed home Pedro Neto's cross after six minutes. DR Congo responded before halftime through Yoane Wissa, who converted a cross from Arthur Masuaku.
Portugal dominated possession with 68 percent of the ball and thought they had regained the lead in the 55th minute through Joao Cancelo, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
DR Congo nearly snatched victory when Cedric Bakambu hit the post after capitalizing on a mistake by Bruno Fernandes.
Despite introducing attacking options including Rafael Leao, Francisco Conceicao and Goncalo Ramos, Portugal failed to find a winner.
The draw leaves Roberto Martinez's side needing a positive result against World Cup debutants Uzbekistan in their next match.
Starting Lineups
Portugal:
Diogo Costa; Tomas Araujo, Renato Veiga, Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes (Nelson Semedo 72'); Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva (Francisco Conceicao 46'), Joao Neves, Vitinha (Goncalo Ramos 83'); Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto (Rafael Leao 72').
DR Congo:
Lionel Mpasi; Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Gedeon Kalulu 85'), Steve Kapuadi, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku (Joris Kayembe 74'); Ngal'ayel Mukau (Noah Sadiki 57'), Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe (Charles Pickel 74'); Cedric Bakambu (Simon Banza 85'), Yoane Wissa.
Read: 2026 World Cup: Uzbekistan vs Colombia Prediction
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