Results & fixtures
Latest news
FIFA 2026 World Cup: Ghana, Panama eye bright start.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L match, Ghana vs. Panama, begins at 00:00 [GMT+1] on Thursday, June 18, at Toronto Stadium. Glenn Nyberg [NOR] will be the referee for this match, while Shaun Evans [AUS] will be the VAR. Ghana and Panama begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, with both sides viewing this match as a crucial chance to gain an early edge ahead of tougher tests against England and Croatia. For Ghana [LLLLD], this marks a fifth World Cup appearance and another chapter in the nation’s rich football history. Veteran coach Carlos Queiroz is set to become only the third manager to participate in five World Cups, bringing a wealth of experience to the Black Stars’ dugout. The West Africans topped their CAF qualifying group to reach the tournament, but their momentum has stalled significantly since then. They arrive without a victory in six friendly matches [0W, 1D, 5L], a run that has raised concerns about their readiness for the global stage. Defensive issues have been particularly troubling for Ghana. They have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last ten World Cup matches and have conceded at least twice in each of their previous six games. Adding to their concerns is the absence of influential midfielder Thomas Partey, who will miss the competition after being denied a visa to enter Canada. Ghana will therefore need others to step up if they are to make a winning start. Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew and Kamaldeen Sulemana are expected to form a trident attacking line in a 4—4—3 formation against the Canal Men. Panama [DWLWD], meanwhile, return to the World Cup for only the second time in their history. Their debut appearance in 2018 ended in disappointment as they lost all three group-stage matches, but this squad appears far more competitive and experienced. Thomas Christiansen’s side came through CONCACAF qualifying unbeaten [7W, 3D, 0L], showcasing both resilience and organisation. The Canal Men have lost only two of their last 13 matches, with those defeats coming against continental giants Brazil and Mexico [5W, 6D, 2L]. That impressive run has fostered belief that Panama can compete and potentially challenge for a place in the knockout rounds. A 4—4—2 pattern with Cecilio Waterman and Andrés Andrade is expected against Ghana. Team news is positive as the trio of Aníbal Godoy, Luis Mejía and Adalberto Carrasquilla have resumed training following injuries. This will be the first-ever meeting between Ghana and Panama, making it an intriguing clash between two sides desperate to seize an early advantage.
England begin 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with Croatia clash.
England vs Croatia kicks off at 20:00 [GMT+1] on Wednesday, June 17, at the AT&T Stadium. This highly anticipated Group L fixture could be one of the most significant opening fixtures of the group stage. Both nations arrive with impressive recent records and genuine ambitions of progressing deep into the tournament. In the last edition of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the Three Lions finished at the top of Group B, eventually making an exit in the quarter-finals following a 2-1 loss to France. England arrive in outstanding form under Thomas Tuchel. The Three Lions have won 14 of their last 20 matches in all competitions, averaging 2.2 goals scored while conceding just 0.45 per game. Those figures underline the balance England have achieved between attacking quality and defensive stability. Even more impressive is their current run. England have won each of their last 11 matches, scoring an average of three goals per game while conceding only once during that period. Their ability to dominate opponents has been particularly evident in recent weeks, with every one of their last five victories coming by margins of at least two goals. Recent head-to-head meetings offer little clear advantage, with England winning two of the last four encounters. More relevant is their current form, with England’s remarkable winning streak giving them a slight edge heading into the fixture. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Harry Kane in attack is expected. Jude Bellingham, Arsenal’s Saka and Anthony Gordon could form an attacking trio behind the Bayern forward. Croatia, however, are unlikely to be intimidated. Zlatko Dalić's side continue to demonstrate why they have become one of the most consistent performers on the international stage over the last decade. They have won 10 of their last 15 matches in all competitions, averaging 2.33 goals scored and only 0.8 conceded per game. They arrive unbeaten in their last eight matches and have won their previous three, scoring three goals per game during that stretch. They have also avoided defeat in 12 of their last 14 World Cup matches, highlighting a resilience that has become synonymous with the national team. While many of those games have ended in draws, that record demonstrates Croatia's knack for staying in contests regardless of the opposition. Croatia's experience and tournament pedigree should also ensure they remain competitive throughout, but England's combination of defensive solidity, attacking efficiency and momentum makes them narrow favourites to start their World Cup campaign with a victory. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Ante Budimir in attack is expected against England.
Portugal begin FIFA 2026 World Cup campaign with DR Congo clash.
Portugal vs DR Congo kicks off at 18:00 [GMT+1] on Thursday, June 18, at the NRG Stadium. Portugal will begin their FIFA World Cup campaign with a Group K encounter against DR Congo, a fixture that presents an interesting contrast between Portugal's attacking talent and DR Congo's defensive resilience. While Portugal arrive as favourites, the African side have developed into a difficult team to break down and will believe they can frustrate one of the tournament's strongest squads. Roberto Martínez has assembled a Portugal team packed with technical quality, creativity and experience. Their recent record reflects those strengths. Across their last 30 matches in all competitions, Portugal have won 70% of their games, averaging 2.57 goals scored while conceding just 0.77 per match. Portugal have also demonstrated impressive consistency. They have avoided defeat in 13 of their last 15 matches, while 40% of their last 40 victories have come by margins of two goals or more. Those figures highlight a side capable of controlling matches and converting superiority into comfortable wins. Despite their overall strength, Portugal's recent World Cup record offers a note of caution. They have won four of their last eight World Cup matches, averaging 1.88 goals scored and 1.13 conceded. Three defeats in their last six World Cup fixtures suggest there is still room for improvement when it comes to managing key moments on the biggest stage. A 4—3—3 formation with 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo teaming up with Rafael Leão and Pedro Neto in attack is expected against the visitors. DR Congo arrives with far less global attention but possesses a record that deserves considerable respect. Under Sébastien Desabre, the Leopards have built their success around organisation, discipline and defensive structure. Across their last 40 matches in all competitions, they have won 50% of their games while conceding only 0.63 goals per match. Their ability to remain competitive is perhaps even more impressive. DR Congo have avoided defeat in 32 of their last 40 matches and are unbeaten in their previous eight outings. Recent performances have been particularly solid defensively, with the team conceding just 0.33 goals per game across their last six matches. Those numbers indicate a side comfortable defending in compact shapes and limiting high-quality chances. Ultimately, Portugal's superior individual quality, attacking depth and ability to control possession should give them the edge. However, DR Congo will look to do everything possible to pick up at least a point here. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Yoane Wissa in attack is expected against Portugal.
Austria Starts World Cup Journey with Win Over Jordan
Austria secured a win at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium against Jordan in their opening clash of the World Cup. The match concluded with a 3-1 scoreline, with the first half ending 1-0. Austria scored the first goal when Romano Schmid netted in the 21st minute with an assist by Xaver Schlager making it 1-0. Straight after the break Ali Olwan scored and equalised for Jordan. 2-1 came through an own-goal in the 76th minute. The 3-1 goal came in extra time when Marko Arnautovic found the net for Austria. Austria's next World Cup games are against Argentina on 22 June and Algeria on 28 June. Jordan play Algeria on 23 June and Argentina on 28 June.
Austria face FIFA World Cup debutants Jordan after 28-year absence.
Austria vs Jordan kicks off at 05:00 [GMT+1] on Wednesday, June 17, at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. Austria begin their FIFA 2026 Group J campaign against Jordan in what promises to be an intriguing opening fixture. The last time Austria qualified and played in the World Cup was 28 years ago at France 1998, where they failed to qualify for the knockout stage. Meanwhile, with both nations arriving in strong form, this match could prove crucial in shaping the battle for qualification from a group that also includes Argentina and Algeria. Securing three points here would provide a significant advantage before the more demanding fixtures arrive. Fortunately, Austria will enter the tournament with considerable momentum under former Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick. Their recent performances have reflected a side that is becoming increasingly effective at combining attacking intensity with defensive organisation. Across their last 15 matches in all competitions, Austria have recorded nine victories, averaging an impressive 2.4 goals per game while conceding just 0.73. Equally encouraging is their consistency. Austria have avoided defeat in 12 of those 15 matches, demonstrating an ability to remain competitive even when not performing at their best. Rangnick's influence is evident in the team's aggressive pressing approach, with Austria often looking to recover possession high up the pitch and transition quickly into attacking areas. Their record of winning by two or more goals in 38% of their last 39 matches highlights an ability to turn dominance into convincing victories. Marko Arnautovic is expected to lead at the attacking end of a 4—2—3—1 formation. World Cup debutants Jordan arrive with every reason to believe they can make life difficult for their European opponents. Jamal Sellami's side have quietly built one of the more consistent records among emerging international teams. Jordan have won nine of their last 15 matches, averaging 1.8 goals scored while matching Austria's defensive record of just 0.73 goals conceded per game. Their resilience has been particularly impressive, having gone unbeaten in their last six matches. They avoided defeat in 83% of their previous 30 games across all competitions. In addition, their defensive discipline will be vital in this encounter. While they are unlikely to dominate possession against Austria, their structure and counter-attacking ability could create problems if Austria commit too many players forward. Overall, the tactical battle may revolve around Austria's pressing game against Jordan's ability to play through pressure and exploit space in transition. A 3—4—3 formation with Ali Olwan, Mousa Al Tamari and Odeh Fakhoury in attack is expected against Austria.
Argentina Claims Three Points in World Cup Opener Against Algeria
In their World Cup opener, Argentina emerged triumphant against Algeria at Kansas City Stadium, securing a 3-0 victory. The match saw a score of 1-0 at halftime before Argentina clinched the win. Argentina started the match well and took the lead when Lionel Messi netted after 17 minutes with an assist by Rodrigo De Paul making it 1-0. In the 60th minute Lionel Messi increased the lead for Argentina. Argentina found the net once more, this time through Lionel Messi and with this completed his hattrick in the 76th minute. Argentina play Austria on 22 June and Jordan on 28 June. Algeria's next opponents are Jordan on 23 June and Austria on 28 June.