Ronaldo Leads Portugal to 5-0 Rout of Uzbekistan as England Stumble to 0-0 Draw with Ghana

The final two groups, K and L, took the field late on Tuesday and early Wednesday for their second matchday of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage.

Fan‑favorite Cristiano Ronaldo was eager to steer Portugal after a disappointing opening match that saw the reigning UEFA Nations League champions draw 1‑1 with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

European heavyweights England, finalists in the 2020 and 2024 European Championships, made their second appearance after a dramatic 4‑2 victory over Croatia on matchday one.

Below is a summary of the four matches:

Portugal vs Uzbekistan

Ronaldo rebounded from a modest start to his sixth World Cup, guiding Portugal to a dominant 5‑0 win over Uzbekistan and reviving hopes of a title challenge.

The 41‑year‑old star netted a brace, celebrating wildly after a week of criticism regarding his fitness and influence on the national side.

“We improved,” Ronaldo said in Portuguese. “Life brings challenges, and the main goal is always to improve, which we did.” He then added, “I am back,” twice.

He became the first player to score in six World Cup tournaments, earning man of the match honors.

His first goal came early, after a slick move inside the box left him unmarked; he calmly slotted a cross from full‑back João Cancelo into the bottom corner.

Later, instead of taking a free kick himself, Ronaldo handed it to PSG left‑back Nuno Mendes, whose curled delivery reached the bottom left corner for a 2‑0 lead.

In the 39th minute, a quick counter‑attack saw Bruno Fernandes release Ronaldo, who finished calmly past Uzbek keeper Abduvohid Nematov to make it 3‑0 at halftime.

The second half saw Portugal maintain pressure, and in the 60th minute an own‑goal by Nematov extended the lead.

Rafael Leão capped the rout with a precise shot into the top left corner, completing the 5‑0 scoreline.

Ronaldo pressed for a hat‑trick, coming close in the 95th minute, but was denied.

Portugal now sit second in the group with four points, one win away from qualifying for the knockout stage. Their final group match is against leaders Colombia.

England vs Ghana

England, after a 4‑2 triumph over Croatia, entered the match against Ghana with high expectations, but the encounter ended in a goalless draw.

Despite dominating statistically, England could not break down Ghana’s disciplined defensive block.

The Three Lions registered 19 shots to Ghana’s two, with only four on target, and controlled 78% of possession, yet failed to find the net.

England manager Carlos Queiroz, who faced England as Iran’s coach in the 2022 World Cup, guided his side to a point that could prove decisive for progression.

Midfielder Jude Bellingham expressed frustration: “We defended well, but couldn’t break them down despite the possession, corners, and long shots.”

Late chances included O’Reilly’s header hitting the crossbar and Harry Kane’s speculative effort that skimmed over the bar.

Kane, currently leading the Golden Boot race, was uncharacteristically quiet, leaving fans longing for his usual goal‑scoring presence.

England and Ghana remain tied on four points at the top of Group L, with England ahead on goal difference. England’s final group match is against Panama; Ghana faces Croatia.

Croatia vs Panama

Croatia secured a 1‑0 victory over Panama, earning three crucial points.

Four minutes into the second half, substitute Josip Stanišić delivered a precise cross that Ante Budimir turned into the net in the 54th minute.

Coach Zlatko Dalić acknowledged the difficulty of the match, noting the pressure of needing the win.

Later, Luka Modrić, on his 200th cap, set up a chance for Marco Pašalić, but Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera saved.

Panama created several opportunities, but Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livaković made key saves to preserve the lead.

After the match, Croatia’s players honored Modrić with “200” shirts, celebrating his milestone.

Colombia vs DR Congo

Daniel Muñoz scored the only goal in the 76th minute, giving Colombia a 1‑0 win over DR Congo and a place in the knockout stage.

Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi kept Congo in the game early on with five saves, but could not stop Muñoz’s left‑footed strike after a deflection.

Congo threatened twice in stoppage time, but Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas made crucial saves.

Colombia, ranked 11th globally, now need at least a draw against Portugal to win the group and advance.

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