The second round of group stage fixtures for the 2026 World Cup dey close on Tuesday, with Croatia and Portugal under heavy pressure to pick points and boost their chances of reaching the knockout rounds.
Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal crew no impress for their first match against Democratic Republic of Congo, only managing a 1-1 draw. That result don put plenty pressure on them to take all three points against Uzbekistan for Houston Stadium.
Croatia, wey be 2018 finalists, suffer a 4-2 loss to England, so dem too dey face similar pressure as dem prepare to face Panama for Toronto. Meanwhile, the Three Lions dey firmly on course for a place for the last 32.
Portugal struggle to create open-play chances against DR Congo, and Ronaldo dey face scrutiny for his lack of productivity. Roberto Martínez fit make changes for the Uzbekistan match, but the question be whether he fit drop his superstar from the lineup.
Uzbekistan, wey dey play their first-ever World Cup, lose 3-1 to Colombia. That match show dem lack top-end talent, but manager Fabio Cannavaro go set up to frustrate Portugal. However, dem fit no get the counterattacking threat wey DR Congo pose.
Player to watch for Portugal na Bruno Fernandes. The Manchester United midfielder fit be the antidote to Portugal’s problems for open play. He go surely get more influence for this match than he get against DR Congo.
England produce arguably the most complete performance of any main contender when dem put four goals past Croatia. Thomas Tuchel side not just well-drilled, but dem also show capacity to entertain, marking a big difference from the Gareth Southgate era.
Ghana need a late winner from Caleb Yirenkyi to overcome Panama for the opener. But the Black Stars no too convince for their overall performance, wey hint say England fit even rest some key players and still take another step forward.
Player to watch for England na Harry Kane. The Bayern Munich striker bag a brace against Croatia, but he also be England’s most effective creator and link-up player for the final third. Kane dey simply the best all-round centre forward for the world right now.
Panama suffer stoppage-time heartbreak for their opener against Ghana. Thomas Christiansen side need at least three points from their final two group games against Croatia and England to realistically stand any chance of progressing. That go be a tough task.
Croatia show glimpses of their talent even for defeat to England. Dem go be firm favourites to secure three points against Panama, but concerns remain over the age profile of Zlatko Dalić team. The question be whether Luka Modric and the old heads fit still perform at the highest level.
Player to watch for Croatia na Petar Musa. The FC Dallas frontman find the back of the net against England and expected to keep his place as starting striker for the Panama meeting. Musa dey use the World Cup as platform to show his true level.
Colombia take a big step towards securing their place for the knockout rounds by beating Uzbekistan. The South Americans go fancy their chances of following up with another positive result against DR Congo, especially if Luis Díaz show up in similar way.
DR Congo defend well for their draw with Portugal, but also pose meaningful threat on the counterattack. That fit also be a factor for the meeting with Colombia, although DR Congo go surely get more possession than dem get for the opener. That fit shift the dynamic.
Player to watch for Colombia na Luis Díaz. The Bayern Munich winger dey in the form of his life and na Colombia’s primary difference-maker down the left side and for the final third.
