The seventh matchday of the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered drama, late goals and impressive performances as Colombia, England and Ghana opened their campaigns with victories, while DR Congo earned a historic draw against Portugal to deny Cristiano Ronaldo a dream start.
Ghana Leave It Late to Sink Panama
Ghana secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their Group L opener thanks to Caleb Yirenkyi’s stoppage-time winner in Toronto, Canada.
With the game seemingly heading for a goalless draw, Brandon Thomas-Asante produced a brilliant run down the left flank before squaring the ball for Yirenkyi, who calmly tapped home in the fifth minute of added time to hand the Black Stars all three points.
Panama had threatened throughout the contest and came close to claiming their first-ever World Cup point, but Ghana’s persistence paid off at the death. Thomas-Asante’s influential display earned him the Player of the Match award.
The victory puts Ghana level on three points with England ahead of their highly anticipated Group L showdown.
Diaz Leads Colombia Past World Cup
Debutants Uzbekistan
In Group K, Colombia marked their return to the World Cup with a convincing 3-1 victory over tournament debutants Uzbekistan at Mexico City Stadium.
After dominating much of the encounter, Colombia broke the deadlock in the 40th minute when Daniel Munoz produced a spectacular volley from a Luis Diaz assist.
Uzbekistan fought back through Abbosbek Fayzullayev’s 60th-minute header, but Colombia quickly regained control as Diaz scored his first-ever World Cup goal five minutes later.
Substitute Jaminton Campaz added a third deep into stoppage time to seal the victory and send Colombia to the top of Group K.
The result provides an ideal start for the South Americans, who missed the 2022 World Cup and are now looking to make a strong statement on their return to football’s biggest stage.
England Outgun Croatia in Six-Goal Thriller
England began their Group L campaign in emphatic fashion with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia in Dallas.
Captain Harry Kane scored twice in the first half, while Jude Bellingham restored England’s lead shortly after halftime following Croatia’s spirited comeback.
Martin Baturina and Petar Musa had helped Croatia erase England’s two-goal advantage before the break, but Thomas Tuchel’s side responded strongly in the second half.
Marcus Rashford came off the bench to score the fourth goal and secure all three points for the Three Lions, who now sit atop Group L on goal difference.
The victory reinforces England’s status as one of the tournament favourites ahead of their clash with Ghana.
Historic DR Congo Hold Portugal
One of the biggest stories of Matchday 7 came in Houston, where DR Congo earned their first-ever FIFA World Cup point after holding Portugal to a 1-1 draw.
Portugal appeared on course for victory when João Neves headed them into an early lead after just six minutes.
However, DR Congo remained disciplined and resilient before making history through Yoane Wissa.
The forward headed home Arthur Masuaku’s cross deep into first-half stoppage time to score DR Congo’s first-ever World Cup goal and secure a memorable result.
Despite enjoying 75 percent possession, Portugal struggled to break down the Congolese defence.
Cristiano Ronaldo, playing in his sixth World Cup at the age of 41, was unable to find the net and missed two second-half opportunities to become the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cups.
DR Congo nearly completed a famous victory late on, with Cedric Bakambu striking the post before missing another chance.
The draw leaves Group K wide open, with Colombia leading the standings after their victory over Uzbekistan.
Matchday 7 Results
Ghana 1-0 Panama
Colombia 3-1 Uzbekistan
England 4-2 Croatia
Portugal 1-1 DR Congo
Looking Ahead
Attention now turns to the next round of group fixtures, with England facing Ghana in a blockbuster Group L encounter, while Colombia and DR Congo battle for control of Group K. Portugal will be aiming to bounce back against Uzbekistan as Ronaldo continues his pursuit of another World Cup milestone.
