Published: June 18, 2026 at 11:30 am
Harry Kane helped England kick off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia in a high-scoring Group L encounter. In a match that swung back and forth throughout the first half, England responded impressively to two Croatian equalisers before pulling away after the break to secure all three points.
Eight years after Croatia ended England’s dream of reaching the World Cup final, the Three Lions finally got their revenge. The six-goal thriller also reflected Thomas Tuchel’s more aggressive, attack-minded philosophy, a sharp contrast to England’s more cautious approach in previous years.
The Three Lions made a strong start and were rewarded in the 12th minute when Harry Kane calmly converted from the penalty spot after Luka Modrić brought down Noni Madueke inside the area. England continued to threaten, but Croatia fought their way back into the contest.
Kane scores a header
The equaliser arrived in the 36th minute through Martin Baturina, whose ambitious effort from distance found the net following an unfortunate error from England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. England quickly regained control 6 minutes later as Kane scored a header from a Declan Rice corner, restoring his side’s advantage and completing a first-half brace.
Croatia refused to go away and struck again deep into first-half stoppage time. Ivan Perišić played a key role in the build-up before Petar Musa finished from close range, ensuring the sides went into the interval level at 2-2.
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England wasted little time reasserting themselves after the restart. Just 2 minutes into the second half, Jude Bellingham found the net following excellent work from Elliot Anderson to restore England’s lead and shift the momentum firmly in their favour.
England quickly regained control 6 minutes later as Harry Kane scored a header from a Declan Rice corner, restoring his side’s advantage and completing a first-half brace. Pics: Instagram
As Croatia pushed forward in search of another equaliser, England remained dangerous on the counterattack and eventually sealed the result in the 85th minute. Bukayo Saka’s precise pass found Marcus Rashford inside the penalty area, and the forward produced a composed finish to make it 4-2.
Played at a relentless pace and packed with attacking quality, the contest provided one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament so far. England’s clinical finishing and resilience after each Croatian response proved decisive, with Kane’s first-half brace setting the platform before Bellingham and Rashford completed an impressive opening victory.
Wissa makes history as DR Congo hold Portugal
Portugal and DR Congo played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in their opening Group K encounter, with both sides producing attacking intent and intensity throughout a fiercely contested contest. While Portugal struck early through João Neves, DR Congo responded on the stroke of halftime to earn a historic point on the global stage.
The match began at a frenetic pace, with both teams committing players forward and engaging in a physical battle across the pitch. Portugal made the breakthrough in just the 6th minute when João Neves rose for the header after pinpoint delivery from Pedro Neto and scored his first international goal, giving the Seleção a dream start.
Portugal continued to create opportunities through their attacking width, while DR Congo gradually grew into the game with a series of direct and energetic attacks. Their persistence was rewarded deep into first-half stoppage time when Arthur Masuaku delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area for Yoane Wissa, who powered a header into the net to level the scores.
The goal carried historic significance, marking DR Congo’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal. It was also Yoane Wissa’s 9th international goal for his country
The goal carried historic significance, marking DR Congo’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal. It was also Wissa’s 9th international goal for his country and ensured the African nation headed into the break on level terms.
Both teams searched for a winner after halftime, producing several promising attacking moments in an open and entertaining second half. However, neither defence was willing to concede again, and the contest ultimately finished all square.
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Portugal will be encouraged by João Neves’ breakthrough performance and their positive attacking display, while DR Congo can celebrate a landmark night in their football history as Wissa’s historic strike secured the nation’s first FIFA World Cup goal and first-ever point at the tournament.
Fixtures for June 19:
Switzerland Vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (12:30 am)
Canada Vs Qatar (3:30 am)
Mexico Vs South Korea (6:30 am)
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