Day 7 Results — June 17, 2026
Harry Kane's double headlined a stunning Day 7 as England dismantled Croatia 4-2 in Dallas, while Colombia announced themselves with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan at the Azteca — Groups K and L are officially open for business.
Wednesday, June 17 delivered four Group Stage matches across Groups K and L, producing 11 goals, a World Cup first for DR Congo, a Harry Kane masterclass, and an attendance record that turned back the clock 32 years. All four fixtures provided drama from the first whistle.
Group L — Match Results
England came into this Group L opener carrying the ghosts of the 2018 World Cup semi-final, where Croatia had eliminated them in Moscow. They laid those ghosts to rest with emphatic authority. Harry Kane opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 12th minute after a foul in the box, and England controlled the first half until Martin Baturina's well-struck effort brought Croatia level on 36 minutes. Petar Musa added a second for the Croatians right on half-time to flip the script — but England were in no mood to let history repeat itself.
Jude Bellingham, already one of the tournament's brightest stars, restored England's lead with a composed finish two minutes into the second half. Kane then sealed his brace with a clinical finish on 42 minutes — and Marcus Rashford's emphatic late strike in the 85th minute put the gloss on a dominant performance. England's four goals were a statement of intent from a side that arrived in the United States with expectations sky-high.
For Croatia, it is a disappointing start. Luka Modrić and company must regroup against Ghana in their next fixture if they are to have any hope of reaching the knockout rounds.
In the other Group L fixture, Ghana survived a tense 90 minutes against Panama before Caleb Yirenkyi's stoppage-time winner — deep into five added minutes — sent the Toronto crowd into raptures. It was exactly the kind of cruel, late drama that the World Cup was made for. Panama, in only their second-ever World Cup appearance, had defended with incredible discipline throughout, but were unable to hold on for the point that would have been a remarkable result. Ghana go top of Group L on goal difference alongside England heading into matchday two.
Group K — Match Results
In one of the afternoon's most compelling storylines, DR Congo claimed their first-ever FIFA World Cup goal and first-ever point in a remarkable 1-1 draw with Portugal. João Neves put the European side ahead just six minutes in, heading home a delicious outswinging cross from Pedro Neto. Portugal looked in cruise control, but DR Congo refused to capitulate. Yoane Wissa — the Brentford striker who has been one of the Premier League's most consistent performers — struck in first-half stoppage time to level the scores and spark extraordinary scenes among the Congolese supporters in Houston.
It is a historic moment for a nation making only their second World Cup appearance in the modern era, and the point earned against a Portugal side containing Cristiano Ronaldo makes it all the sweeter. For Group K, the draw means Portugal and DR Congo both start on one point, with Colombia already three points clear after the evening game.
Colombia delivered an authoritative Group K debut at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, beating debutant Uzbekistan 3-1 in a pulsating encounter. Daniel Munoz broke the deadlock on 40 minutes, only for Abbosbek Fayzullaev to score Uzbekistan's first-ever World Cup goal — a header on 60 minutes — to level things. The tension was short-lived: Luis Diaz produced a moment of pure quality just five minutes later to restore Colombia's lead, before Jáminton Campaz sealed the points with a late stoppage-time header.
Colombia's performance was a timely reminder of just how much quality they possess, with Luis Diaz proving his tournament credentials. Uzbekistan, meanwhile, showed tremendous heart in their World Cup debut but are now under pressure heading into matchday two.
Attendance Record Broken
Off the pitch, there was another remarkable milestone: the four matches on June 17 collectively drew 281,223 spectators — shattering the 32-year-old single-day FIFA World Cup attendance record of 277,070, which had been set in the United States on June 28, 1994. The 2026 tournament is on pace to comprehensively surpass all previous cumulative attendance records.
What It Means — Standings Update
Group L Standings
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GC | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
| Ghana | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Croatia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
| Panama | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Group K Standings
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GC | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombia | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Portugal | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| DR Congo | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Uzbekistan | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
In Group L, the big picture is clear: England and Ghana both start with maximum points, and they will face each other in matchday two in what already looks like a pivotal clash for top spot. Croatia and Panama are in danger of early elimination and need wins urgently. In Group K, Colombia's three points puts them in the driving seat, while Portugal and DR Congo's shared point sets up a fascinating race for second spot.
Today's Upcoming Matches — June 18, 2026
- Czechia vs South Africa — Group A · 16:00 UTC
- Switzerland vs Bosnia-Herzegovina — Group B · 19:00 UTC
- Canada vs Qatar — Group B · 22:00 UTC
- Mexico vs South Korea — Group A · 01:00 UTC (June 19)
Groups A and B return to action today, with Canada's home opener against Qatar and Mexico's must-win clash against South Korea topping the bill. Both nations face pressure after their earlier results, making June 18 a crucial day in both groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Harry Kane (12' penalty, 42'), Jude Bellingham (47') and Marcus Rashford (85') scored for England. Croatia's goals came from Martin Baturina (36') and Petar Musa (45'). England won 4-2.
In Group K, Colombia lead with 3 points after beating Uzbekistan 3-1. Portugal and DR Congo sit level on 1 point each after their draw. In Group L, England and Ghana both have 3 points after their respective wins, with England top on goal difference (+2 vs +1).
Yoane Wissa's equalizer for DR Congo in first-half stoppage time was the nation's first-ever FIFA World Cup goal, and the 1-1 draw was their first-ever World Cup point. DR Congo are making only their second modern-era World Cup appearance in 2026.
Yes. The four matches on June 17 drew a combined 281,223 fans, breaking the single-day World Cup attendance record of 277,070 set on June 28, 1994, also in the United States.