The second round of group-stage matches continued at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, with Portugal producing one of the performances of the tournament so far.
England, meanwhile, were left frustrated after being held by a stubborn Ghana.
Croatia kept their qualification hopes alive with a narrow win over Panama, and Colombia secured a place in the knockout stages after edging past DR Congo.
Ronaldo rolls back the years as Portugal hit five
Cristiano Ronaldo once again showed why he remains one of football’s greatest goalscorers as Portugal cruised to a 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan.
After criticism following Portugal’s opening draw against DR Congo, the 41-year-old responded in emphatic fashion, scoring twice in Houston to lead Roberto Martínez’s side to their first win of the tournament.
Ronaldo’s brace took his World Cup tally into double figures (10), saw him become his nation’s World Cup top scorer and made him the only player to score in six World Cups.
It also strengthened Portugal’s second position in Group K.
Nuno Mendes added a stunning free-kick before an own goal from Abduvohid Nematov made it four.
Rafael Leão completed the scoring late on as Portugal underlined their status as serious contenders.
The result also ended Uzbekistan’s hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.
England fail to find answers against disciplined Ghana
England missed the chance to secure qualification after being held to a disappointing 0-0 draw by Ghana in Massachusetts.
Thomas Tuchel’s side dominated possession but struggled to create meaningful chances against a well-organised Ghana defence.
England did not register a shot on target until the 57th minute and looked short of ideas for long periods.
Their best opportunity arrived late on when Nico O’Reilly struck the crossbar, but Harry Kane failed to convert the rebound.
Ghana defended superbly and earned a valuable point that keeps their qualification hopes firmly alive.
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Budimir delivers crucial victory for Croatia
Croatia bounced back from their opening defeat to England by beating Panama 1-0 in Toronto.
With both sides needing points, chances were limited before Zlatko Dalić’s half-time changes proved decisive.
Substitute Ante Budimir scored just nine minutes after entering the pitch, converting Josip Stanišić’s cross at the back post.
The victory keeps Croatia firmly in the race for the last 32, while Panama join the teams to be eliminated from the competition after suffering a second successive defeat.
Colombia secure knockout spot against DR Congo
Colombia booked their place in the knockout stages with a hard-fought 1-0 win over DR Congo in Guadalajara.
The South Americans dominated much of the contest but were repeatedly denied by an inspired Lionel Mpasi in the DR Congo goal.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 76th minute when Daniel Muñoz found the net after sustained Colombian pressure.
The victory gives Colombia six points from two matches and guarantees their progression.
DR Congo remain in contention but will need a positive result in their final group game against Uzbekistan.
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Today’s fixtures
The final round of matches begins for Groups A, B and C on Wednesday, June 24:
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar – 8pm BST, Lumen Field, Seattle, USA
Switzerland vs Canada – 8pm BST, BC Place, Vancouver, Canada
Morocco vs Haiti – 11pm BST, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, USA
Scotland vs Brazil – 11pm BST, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, USA
South Africa vs South Korea – 2am BST (Thursday), Estadio BBVA, Monterrey, Mexico
Czechia vs Mexico – 2am BST (Thursday), Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico
With qualification and elimination places on the line, the race for the knockout stages is set to intensify.
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