INSIDE AGWA SPORTS
FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 – GROUP K & GROUP L MATCH ROUNDUP
By Jeff Unaegbu
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
The opening matches in Groups K and L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered thrilling football, historic milestones, and dramatic late winners as teams battled for an early advantage in the race for qualification.
Group K
Portugal 1-1 DR Congo
Portugal were held to a hard-fought 1-1 draw by an inspired DR Congo side at Houston, as the African nation secured a historic result in their FIFA World Cup campaign.
Roberto Martínez's men made the perfect start when João Neves rose to head home the opening goal, putting Portugal ahead early in the contest. Despite the setback, the Leopards remained composed and continued to press for an equalizer.
Their persistence paid off just before halftime when Yoane Wissa powered in a header to level the score, registering DR Congo's first-ever FIFA World Cup goal and earning the nation its first-ever point at the tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo, appearing in a record-breaking sixth FIFA World Cup, was kept quiet by a disciplined Congolese defence and was unable to produce the decisive moment Portugal needed, as both sides settled for a share of the spoils.
Colombia 3-1 Uzbekistan
Colombia kicked off their World Cup journey with an impressive 3-1 victory over tournament debutants Uzbekistan at the Estadio Azteca.
Daniel Muñoz broke the deadlock late in the first half to hand Los Cafeteros a deserved advantage. Uzbekistan, however, responded brilliantly after the restart as Abbosbek Fayzullaev etched his name into history by scoring his country's first-ever FIFA World Cup goal.
The South American side quickly regained control through Luis Díaz, who restored Colombia's lead just five minutes later. Jaminton Campaz sealed the victory deep into stoppage time, ensuring Colombia claimed all three points in an entertaining Group K encounter.
Group L
England 4-2 Croatia
England began their FIFA World Cup campaign with an exciting 4-2 victory over Croatia in one of the tournament's most entertaining matches so far.
Harry Kane opened the scoring from the penalty spot after a VAR-ordered retake before Croatia responded through Martin Baturina. Kane restored England's advantage with a powerful header, equalling Gary Lineker's record of 10 FIFA World Cup goals for England.
Croatia refused to back down, and Petar Musa struck in first-half stoppage time to send both teams into the break level at 2-2.
Thomas Tuchel's side returned with renewed energy in the second half as Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford found the back of the net to complete a convincing 4-2 victory and hand England a perfect start to their World Cup campaign.
Ghana 1-0 Panama
Ghana secured a dramatic late victory over Panama in Toronto to open their World Cup campaign with maximum points.
Panama created the better opportunities during the first half, but the Black Stars grew stronger after the interval and gradually took control of proceedings.
With the contest seemingly heading for a goalless draw, Caleb Yirenkyi emerged as Ghana's hero, scoring on the stroke of full-time to seal a priceless 1-0 win and ignite celebrations among the Black Stars faithful.
Tournament Update
Historic achievements, thrilling goals, and dramatic finishes highlighted another exciting day at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with DR Congo and Uzbekistan making history by scoring their first-ever goals at the tournament, while England, Colombia, and Ghana secured valuable opening victories.
Stay connected with Inside Agwa News Sports for live updates, match highlights, expert analysis, and comprehensive coverage of every moment from the FIFA World Cup 2026.
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