World Cup Preview: Ronaldo Chases Record, England Face Croatia Among Four Matches
Elizabeth Melimopoulos
Day four of the 2026 World Cup sees Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal take on DR Congo, while England meet Croatia in the most anticipated match of the day. Ronaldo is chasing a record for scoring at six different tournaments, while Lionel Messi has already made history with a hat-trick.
The 2026 World Cup continues with four group-stage matches on Wednesday. Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal face DR Congo, while England take on Croatia in the most anticipated match of the day. Ghana meet Panama, and tournament debutants Uzbekistan face Colombia in the late game.
Off the pitch, Ronaldo is chasing another World Cup record, Lionel Messi continues to make history, and fans around the globe must adjust to challenging kick-off times.
Wednesday's fixtures:
- Portugal vs DR Congo: Houston Stadium (USA), 12:00 local (17:00 GMT).
- England vs Croatia: Dallas Stadium (USA), 15:00 local (20:00 GMT).
- Ghana vs Panama: Toronto Stadium (Canada), 19:00 local (23:00 GMT).
- Colombia vs Uzbekistan: Mexico City Stadium (Mexico), 20:00 local (02:00 GMT Thursday).
Preview: Portugal vs DR Congo
DR Congo has risen from 56th to 45th in the world rankings after qualifying for this year's World Cup, but Opta's supercomputer still rates fifth-ranked Portugal as the heavy favourite in their Group K opener. Based on 25,000 simulations, Portugal win in 54.6% of scenarios, with a draw in 22.3%. DR Congo have only a 23.1% chance of winning, suggesting coach Sebastien Desabre's side still have hope, despite facing an extremely tough test.
Preview: England vs Croatia
England and Croatia renew their familiar rivalry in Group L. This is the fourth time the two sides have met at a major tournament this century. Croatia won the 2018 World Cup semi-final, while England have won both their Euro encounters. Opta's supercomputer rates England as clear favourites, with a win probability of 55.9% across 10,000 simulations. Croatia win 20.8%, with a draw at 23.3%.
Preview: Ghana vs Panama
Ghana and Panama have never met before, and both see this Group L match as a vital chance to pick up points. Ghana have won two of their three World Cup matches against CONCACAF opponents, while Panama lost 2-1 to Tunisia, their only previous match against an African side at the 2018 World Cup. Opta gives a slight edge to Panama, with a 45.2% chance of winning after 25,000 simulations. Ghana win 29.6%, with a draw 25.2%.
Preview: Uzbekistan vs Colombia
Uzbekistan and Colombia meet for the first time in Group K. Uzbekistan are making their World Cup debut, while Colombia are appearing for the seventh time. Colombia lost their opening match at the 2018 World Cup but went on to top their group. Opta rates Colombia much higher, with a 62.4% chance of winning. Uzbekistan have only a 17.5% chance of winning, with a draw at 20.1%.
Ronaldo chases goal record
The Portugal captain is expected to lead the line against DR Congo, hoping to become the first player to score at six different World Cups. DR Congo coach Desabre sent his best wishes to Ronaldo but joked he hopes the superstar doesn't score against his side.
Messi continues to make history
The Argentina star marked his sixth World Cup appearance with the first hat-trick of his career, helping Argentina beat Algeria 3-0. With three goals, Messi equalled the record of 16 World Cup goals set by former Germany striker Miroslav Klose. He reached the milestone in his 200th international appearance.
Mbappe climbs scoring charts
The French forward scored twice to become France's all-time leading scorer with 58 goals, helping France beat Senegal 3-1. He also reached 14 World Cup goals, equalling Germany's Gerd Muller, behind only Messi and Klose.
Teams warned about wildlife
Several teams, including Germany, Switzerland and Norway, have reported encountering venomous snakes at their training bases in the USA. Germany captain Joshua Kimmich said the team had spotted a snake near their camp in North Carolina. Switzerland have designated a specific area of their training pitch in San Diego as a "snake zone."
Argentina and Algeria fans brawl in New York
Fans of the two teams clashed in a large brawl at Times Square in New York ahead of the opening match. Social media videos showed fighting and objects being thrown before police intervened.
