In England’s first match of FIFA World Cup 2026 (against Croatia), captain Harry Kane joined the league of elite forwards currently active at the World Cup to score two or more goals in their team’s opening game. It’s an elite group that includes Argentina’s Lionel Messi (hat-trick against Algeria), Norway’s Erling Haaland (two goals against Iraq), France’s Kylian Mbappe (two goals against Senegal) and Germany’s Kai Havertz (two goals against Curacao).
Not yet joining the group is Cristiano Ronaldo, who had a poor performance against Congo, going goalless after taking just two shots the entire game. Congo held Ronaldo’s Portugal to a 1-1 draw with Joao Neves’ 6th-minute goal canceled out by a Yone Wiese strike in the first half.
Ronaldo’s two shots came in the 68th minute and the 73rd minute, both off target.
After the game, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez was repeatedly asked if he had considered taking Ronaldo off on Wednesday.
“It doesn’t make sense to drop the world’s best scorer when you need a goal,” said Martinez. “Cristiano’s experience in the box is important. The way he attracts defenders is important.”
Also read | Cristiano Ronaldo is being ironic He was once a great player
Martinez was then asked if Ronaldo would start Portugal’s upcoming games against Uzbekistan and Colombia given his age.
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“We treat every player the same. We do it step by step,” Martinez said. “We will assess each player. It is not a special problem. We do not treat Cristiano according to his age … we treat him how he feels.”
Also read | Is Cristiano Ronaldo past his prime? No doubt after the Congo match
Wednesday’s match was Ronaldo’s 229th of his international career, the most by any individual in history.
Ronaldo himself did not face the media after the game, where he often looked downcast. But he wrote on his social media handle: “It wasn’t the start we wanted, but it’s not over yet. Focus on the next game.”
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Harry Kane had two chances with a penalty
Ronaldo was perhaps left wanting more opportunities to prove he’s still got it England vs Croatia in Group LHarry Kane literally had two chances.
After England were awarded a penalty after Luka Modric’s careless kick hit Noni Maduke, Kane stepped up to take the spot kick. His first attempt was saved by Croatian keeper Dominik Livakovic. But VAR ruled that Livakovic’s feet were off the goal line as Kane hit the ball after an initial stutter-step.
That gave Ken another bite of the cherry. He did not miss this time either. The England captain has now converted his last eight penalties since missing a spot kick against France in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup.
England’s Harry Kane (9) celebrates after scoring a goal during the World Cup Group L soccer match between England and Croatia in Arlington, Texas, Wednesday, June 17, 2026, near Dallas. (AP Photo)
Kane scored the second goal in the first half, nodding in a header. Later, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford scored two more goals to give England victory. Croatia came back twice in the match thanks to goals from Petar Musa and Martin Baturina.
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Kane’s brace means he now has 10 World Cup goals, equaling the English record held by Gary Lineker playing in the 1986 and 1990 tournaments. Kane, who won the Golden Boot with six goals in Russia 2018, became the first England player to score as many goals in three cup competitions. He has 81 international goals.
Scoring 10 goals in the World Cup is definitely a big milestone. … It’s very special to reach double figures in this amazing tournament,” Kane said. “And it’s the first game, I’m feeling good. I said before the game, physically, mentally, the goals I’ve scored this year () are at the highest level of my career. … When I’m in this form I enjoy being on the pitch.”
Ghana took down Panama
In an early match played at Toronto Stadium, Ghana stunned Panama with a late winner. Caleb Yirenky scored in the 95th minute for Carlos Queiroz’s Ghana. The result denied Panama their first World Cup point.
Notably, the focus was on Queiroz, who has now coached teams to five consecutive World Cups. He was in charge of Portugal in South Africa 2010, Brazil in 2014, Russia in 2018 and Portugal in Qatar 2022 and now heads Ghana in the 2026 edition.