On Wednesday, June 17, the 2026 World Cup delivered a day full of highs and lows: Austria and England dominated their matches, Colombia made a solid start, and Portugal faced an early shock by drawing with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Austria's Hard-Fought Victory
In a tough battle, Austria managed to secure a 3-1 win over Jordan at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. Romano Schmid put the Europeans ahead in the 21st minute, but Ali Olwan, who scored Jordan's first-ever World Cup goal, leveled the score after halftime, creating tension for Ralf Rangnick's team.
An own goal by Yazan Al-Arab in the 77th minute restored Austria's lead when a draw seemed likely. In stoppage time, Marko Arnautović converted a VAR-awarded penalty to seal the 3-1 victory.
With this win, Austria earned three points, trailing Argentina in Group J. This marked Austria's first World Cup victory since Italy 1990.
Portugal's Surprising Draw
In Houston, Portugal was held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient Democratic Republic of the Congo, shaking up Group K.
João Neves gave Portugal the lead in the 34th minute after a team play initiated by Bruno Fernandes, but Yoane Wissa capitalized on a loose ball in the box to equalize in the 68th minute.
Despite efforts, Cristiano Ronaldo couldn't find the net, and the Congolese defense, with standout performances from goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, thwarted any late Portuguese comeback. The draw leaves Group K wide open, increasing pressure on Portugal for the upcoming matches.
England's Commanding Win Over Croatia
England delivered one of the most exciting matches of the day, defeating Croatia 4-2 in Dallas. Harry Kane scored twice—in the 12th and 42nd minutes—tying Gary Lineker as England's all-time leading World Cup scorer with 10 goals.
Croatia managed to reach halftime with a 2-2 tie, thanks to goals from Martin Baturina and Petar Musa, but couldn't maintain their momentum in the second half. Jude Bellingham dazzled with a solo effort for the 3-2 lead, and Marcus Rashford sealed the victory in the 85th minute after a swift counterattack.
Ghana's Last-Minute Triumph
Ghana scraped by with a 1-0 win over Panama in Toronto. The Panamanians controlled much of the first half and created several clear opportunities, but goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi stood firm.
Ghana clinched the win in added time, thanks to Caleb Yirenkyi, who found the net in the 90+5th minute to deliver three crucial points for the Africans. This result places Ghana as co-leaders of Group L alongside England.
Colombia Tops Group K
Colombia kicked off their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan at Estadio Azteca. Daniel Muñoz opened the scoring in the 41st minute with an assist from Luis Díaz, though Abbosbek Fayzullaev equalized following a mistake by goalkeeper Camilo Vargas.
Néstor Lorenzo's squad responded swiftly: Luis Díaz restored the lead in the 65th minute, and Jáminton Campaz wrapped up the 3-1 win in added time, positioning Colombia as the leader of Group K with three points, ahead of Portugal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who drew in their opening match.
The first round of matches in these groups indicates that no favorite team will have an easy path in this 2026 World Cup.
Key Questions About the 2026 World Cup
How did Austria manage to win against Jordan?
Austria secured victory with goals from Romano Schmid and Marko Arnautović, and an own goal by Yazan Al-Arab helped them to a 3-1 win.
What was Portugal's result against the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Portugal was held to a 1-1 draw by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, despite taking the lead through João Neves.
Who were the standout performers in the England vs. Croatia match?
Harry Kane shone for England with two goals, while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also contributed significantly to the 4-2 victory.