This day features global star power, emotional returns, historic first-time meetings, and teams looking to make early statements in group play. Portugal and England enter with high expectations, Ghana and Panama face a crucial opener, and Colombia looks to prove why many see them as a dark horse contender.
Portugal vs. DR Congo
DR Congo finally returns to the World Cup after being absent for 52 years. Back in 1974, the nation competed as Zaire. Now, the Leopards return to the world’s biggest stage with pride, passion, and a very difficult task ahead.
That task is going up against Portugal, a team entering the tournament as a Cup favorite and bringing superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in hopes he can help lead them to their first World Cup trophy.
DR Congo fought hard to qualify, holding off two very strong African nations in Cameroon and the Nigeria Super Eagles, knocking them both out on penalties. It was not until they beat Jamaica in the playoffs that they finally realized their dream and booked their ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
Portugal has plenty of star power in the starting lineup and reserves on the bench, giving them a realistic chance to reach the semifinals. This game should be filled with emotion, drama, and highs and lows, but expect the Portuguese to take control through possession and tight passing.
Player for player, Portugal has the edge. Star power, Portugal has the edge. All that aside, this game will be determined by which team has more heart and passion.Pro Paul’s Pick: Portugal wins.
England vs. Croatia
The Three Lions of England had an impressive qualifying run, winning all eight matches and conceding only one goal.
England, of course, faces a very talented Croatia side and has not forgotten the heartbreak from the 2018 World Cup semifinal, when Croatia beat them and moved into the final to play France.
As much as English fans tend to lean toward the skeptical side, they have the hottest striker on the planet. Harry Kane scored an astounding 60-plus goals this past season for Bayern Munich.
Croatia may attempt to double-team Kane, but his superb runs off the ball into blind spots will eventually free him up to get his shots at goal. England has the talent, form, and motivation to make a strong opening statement.Pro Paul’s Pick: England wins.
Ghana vs. Panama
This will be a historic match, given that Ghana and Panama have never played a senior-level game against one another. In many ways, that will be good for the fans, with both teams eager to take the win and secure three points.
The Black Stars recently had a late change in coaching duties, hiring well-qualified coach Carlos Queiroz to lead them through one of the most difficult group draws. Man City star striker Antoine Semenyo will be called upon to lead and score goals for Ghana against a highly experienced Panama squad.
Danish head coach Thomas Christiansen will have a huge challenge trying to guide Panama into the knockout round of 32 remaining teams.
As an underdog with only a 27% chance to get out of the group, Panama knows that its best chance at advancing begins with a victory against Ghana. Expect a tight, competitive match where both teams understand exactly what is at stake.Pro Paul’s Pick: Draw.
Uzbekistan vs. Colombia
Colombia is considered a dark horse contender and is close to certain to get out of the group, with a plus-85% chance. That confidence is credited to their team chemistry and star players James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz.
Colombia is comfortable and familiar playing in Mexico City. Uzbekistan has also played against Mexico before, back in 2023, although that game was played in Atlanta and ended in a 3-3 draw. This gives Colombia a clear advantage because of their familiarity with Mexico City’s high elevation concerns.
Uzbekistan may be a long shot, a longer shot, or even the longest shot to win the whole World Cup, but they do hold a reasonable 37% chance to get out of the group.
The uncertainty of the elevation, the curiosity both teams have about one another, and the excitement of this first-time matchup should all play a role. With both squads opening their World Cup campaigns, anticipate the rhythm of the game to shift frequently, moving from risk-free, methodical play to high-risk, dynamic attacks.
Colombia has the edge in talent, experience, and star power, but Uzbekistan will not make it easy.
