FIFA World Cup 2026 continues on Wednesday, 17 June, with four group-stage matches scheduled across Groups K and L as teams begin their quests for a place in the knockout rounds.
England begin their bid to end a 60-year wait for a trophy when they take on Croatia in their World Cup opener, while Cristiano Ronaldo is set to play in a record-equalling sixth tournament.
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Among the favourites
Portugal begin their Group K campaign against DR Congo.
Portugal enter the tournament among the favourites to progress deep into the competition, while DR Congo will aim to cause an early upset.
Portuguese great Ronaldo, 41, has a tough act to follow after his old nemesis Lionel Messi scored a spectacular hat-trick for Argentina on Tuesday to equal the all-time World Cup goalscoring record, making a mockery of his 38 years.
Portugal vs DR Congo: Wednesday, 17 June – 19:00 (SA time)
The headline fixture of the day sees European heavyweights England team take on Croatia in a highly anticipated Group K encounter.
England will be eager to make a strong start to their campaign, while Croatia will be looking to draw on their wealth of tournament experience in what promises to be one of the most competitive matches of the opening round.
England vs Croatia: Wednesday, 17 June – 22:00 (SA time)
Group L action features a clash between Ghana and Panama, with both sides targeting a crucial opening victory to boost their qualification hopes.
Ghana vs Panama: Thursday, 18 June – 01:00 (SA time)
The day’s final match sees tournament debutants Uzbekistan face Colombia.
Uzbekistan will be looking to make history in their first-ever World Cup appearance, while Colombia are expected to rely on their attacking talent to secure three points.
Uzbekistan vs Colombia: Thursday, 18 June – 04:00 (SA time)
Wednesday’s fixtures follow an entertaining start to the tournament and could provide further clues as to which nations are emerging as genuine contenders for football’s biggest prize.
For South African supporters, attention is also building ahead of South Africa’s second Group A match against Czechia on Thursday, 18 June as Bafana Bafana continue their bid to reach the knockout stages of the competition.
READ | Hugo Broos on verge of making Bafana history – and saying goodbye
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