The first round of group-stage matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup concluded with a mix of expected results and surprises. All 48 competing teams have now played their opening fixtures, and attention turns to the crucial second matchday, where points become vital for progression to the knockout rounds.
Portugal Held by DR Congo
Portugal, reigning UEFA Nations League champions and one of the tournament favourites, kicked off their Group K campaign in Houston, Texas, against the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On paper, this appeared a straightforward fixture for the European side, but the reality proved far more challenging. The Portuguese struggled to convert chances and seemed affected by the humid Texan conditions.
Cristiano Ronaldo, making his sixth World Cup appearance—matching Lionel Messi's record—failed to become the first player to score in six different tournaments. The 41-year-old forward had a forgettable performance, missing shots in the 68th and 73rd minutes that went wide right. After the match, he posted on X: “It wasn’t the start we wanted, but this is far from over. Head up and focus on the next game.”
Portugal coach Roberto Martínez dismissed any suggestion of substituting Ronaldo. “It makes no sense to get the best world scorer to be out when you need goals,” Martínez said. “The experience of Cristiano in the box is important. The way that he attracts defenders is important.”
PSG midfielder João Neves opened the scoring for Portugal with a header in the 6th minute. Despite dominating possession with 75% and producing nine shots, Portugal could not extend their lead. DR Congo equalised just before half-time with a header of their own, and the match ended 1-1.
For more on Portugal's prospects, see our analysis: Portugal's Best-Ever Squad Gives Ronaldo One Last Shot at World Cup Glory.
Austria Cruises Past Jordan
Austria secured a comfortable 3-1 victory over Jordan in Group J. Romano Schmidt opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a curling finish from outside the box. Jordan equalised through Ali Olwan in the 50th minute, but an own goal by Yazan al-Arab in the 76th minute restored Austria's lead. A late penalty converted by Marko Arnautovic in the 102nd minute sealed the win.
England Defeats Croatia in Thriller
In one of the most exciting matches of the evening, England defeated Croatia 4-2. The English side, runners-up in the last two European Championships, dominated a Croatian team that has been a regular top-four finisher in recent World Cups. Bayern Munich's Harry Kane was among the scorers.
For a preview of this clash, see our earlier report: England Face Croatia in World Cup Opener as Tuchel Seeks Revenge for 2018.
Other notable results from the first matchday include Spain being held to a goalless draw by Cape Verde, and Sweden crushing Tunisia 5-1. For more details, see: Spain Held to Goalless Draw by Cape Verde; Sweden Crushes Tunisia 5-1 in World Cup Openers.
