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2026 World Cup: Complete roundup after first day of group stage

All 48 nations competing in the 2026 World Cup have played their opening group match. Germany crushes Curaçao 7-1, Portugal held to a draw by the Democratic Republic of Congo, England beats Croatia 4-2.

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2026 World Cup: Complete roundup after first day of group stage
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The group stage of the 2026 World Cup delivered its first verdicts. Wednesday evening, groups K and L concluded the first day, with Portugal surprised by the Democratic Republic of Congo (1-1) and England convincing against Croatia (4-2). Overnight, Ghana dominated Panama (1-0) and Colombia controlled Uzbekistan (3-1).

The standout moment of this first day remains Germany’s demonstration: Germany crushed Curaçao 7-1 on June 14 to top group E with the tournament’s best goal difference. In the same group, Côte d’Ivoire won 1-0 against Ecuador.

The United States also made a strong statement in group D with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay, while Australia beat Turkey 2-0. In group A, Mexico (2-0 against South Africa) and South Korea (2-1 against Czech Republic) took the lead. Group B presents perfect equality: Canada, Bosnia, Qatar and Switzerland each have one point after 1-1 draws.

In group C, Scotland leads after their 1-0 victory against Haiti, while Brazil and Morocco neutralized each other (1-1).

The second day begins this Thursday, June 18 with four matches: Czech Republic-South Africa at 18:00, Switzerland-Bosnia at 21:00, Canada-Qatar at 00:00 and Mexico-South Korea at 03:00.

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