Overview
- Four Group K and L openers — Portugal v DR Congo, England v Croatia, Ghana v Panama and Uzbekistan v Colombia — complete day seven of the 2026 World Cup on June 17 and mark the tournament's next set of group-stage fixtures.
- England start under manager Thomas Tuchel against Croatia in Arlington with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham available and Bukayo Saka listed as doubtful because of Achilles pain.
- Portugal begin Cristiano Ronaldo's likely final World Cup in Houston against DR Congo, with pundits and early betting markets listing Portugal among the favourites to win the match.
- Uzbekistan make their World Cup debut in Mexico City under coach Fabio Cannavaro while Colombia return with experienced attackers such as Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez expected to lead the side.
- Early odds and expert picks favour England and Portugal for their openers, and results on June 17 will influence which teams take early advantage in the new 48‑team format as off‑field issues and standout performances from the tournament's opening days continue to shape the narrative.