The 2026 World Cup group stage reaches day eight. On Thursday 18 June, hosts Mexico face South Korea and hosts Canada meet Qatar, a day after England opened with a 4-2 win over Croatia and DR Congo earned a first ever World Cup point in a 1-1 draw with Portugal. Five verified stories.
England opened their Group L campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on 17 June. Harry Kane scored twice, Jude Bellingham struck just after half-time and Marcus Rashford added a late goal, with Martin Baturina and Petar Musa replying for Croatia in a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semi-final.
DR Congo held Portugal to a 1-1 draw at NRG Stadium in Houston on 17 June, claiming the country's first ever point at a men's World Cup. João Neves put Portugal ahead before Yoane Wissa equalised shortly before half-time, a result coach Sébastien Desabre called a tremendous source of pride.
Holders Argentina opened their Group J campaign with a 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas City on 17 June. The result gave the defending champions a comfortable start to the defence of the title they won in 2022.
With several host venues facing a very high risk of heat stress, FIFA has mandated a three-minute hydration break in each half of all 104 matches. The policy has drawn debate: a group of climate and health experts called FIFA's wider heat plan inadequate, while coaches including Mauricio Pochettino questioned the breaks' effect on the flow of matches.
Day eight on 18 June features hosts Mexico against South Korea and hosts Canada against Qatar, alongside Switzerland against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Czechia against South Africa, as Group A and Group B continue.