2026 World Cup: England Fight Back, Colombia Impress, Ghana Leave It Late

England survived a major scare before launching their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a thrilling 4-2 win over Croatia, while Colombia marked their return to the global stage with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan and Ghana snatched a dramatic stoppage-time victory against Panama.

The day began with England showing both their strengths and vulnerabilities in Arlington, Texas. Harry Kane scored twice and Jude Bellingham added a third as Thomas Tuchel’s side recovered from a shaky first-half display to claim all three points in Group L.

Croatia twice fought back through Martin Baturina and Petar Musa to level the match at 2-2 before the break, exposing weaknesses in England’s defence and midfield.

England emerged from the dressing room transformed. Bellingham restored their lead less than two minutes into the second half before substitutes Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford combined late to seal a 4-2 win.

The Three Lions dominated the statistics, registering 21 shots, seven big chances and an expected goals tally of 2.82.

In Group K, Colombia celebrated a winning return to the World Cup after missing out on the 2022 tournament. Daniel Munoz opened the scoring with a stunning volley in Mexico City after being picked out by Luis Diaz, who continued his excellent club form onto the international stage.

Uzbekistan, making their World Cup debut, responded through Abbosbek Fayzullaev early in the second half and briefly threatened an upset. However, Diaz restored Colombia’s lead with his first-ever World Cup goal before substitute Jaminton Campaz headed in a late third. The South Americans eventually ran out 3-1 winners despite Uzbekistan striking the crossbar in the closing moments.

Diaz’s goal capped another memorable chapter in what has been an outstanding year for the former Liverpool winger, who joined Bayern Munich last summer and helped the German giants secure a domestic double. Colombia’s victory moved them to the top of Group K after Portugal and DR Congo shared a 1-1 draw earlier in the day.

The most dramatic finish came in Toronto, where Ghana broke Panama hearts. Just as the match appeared destined for a goalless draw, Brandon Thomas-Asante surged down the left and squared for Caleb Yirenkyi, who tapped home in the 95th minute.

Panama had created some of the better chances and came close to taking a historic point from only their fourth World Cup appearance. Cecilio Waterman tested Lawrence Ati Zigi inside two minutes, while Cristian Martinez and Ismael Diaz both threatened in the second half. Ghana, however, found the decisive moment when it mattered most.

The victory gives Carlos Queiroz’s side an early advantage in Group L, although a far sterner examination awaits against England. Croatia and Panama, meanwhile, will be searching for their first points when they meet in their next fixture.