The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues with four fascinating group-stage fixtures featuring favourites looking to make strong starts and outsiders hoping to spring an early surprise.

From Portugal’s opening match against DR Congo to Colombia’s clash with Uzbekistan, every point matters as teams begin their journey toward the knockout rounds.

Portugal vs DR Congo

Portugal arrive as one of the tournament’s genuine contenders. With a squad packed with technical quality, experience and attacking depth, they are expected to progress comfortably from Group K and challenge for the latter stages of the competition.

DR Congo deserve respect for reaching the World Cup and possess plenty of physical strength and athleticism. Their best chance lies in staying compact, frustrating Portugal and looking for opportunities on the counter-attack or from set pieces.

The problem for DR Congo is that Portugal have quality all over the pitch and should enjoy long spells of possession. If Portugal score first, the game could quickly become one-sided.

Prediction

Portugal’s superior midfield control and attacking quality should eventually tell.

Correct Score Prediction: Portugal 3-0 DR Congo

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England vs Croatia

England face a much sterner test in their opening fixture against Croatia.

Although England enter the tournament with significantly higher expectations, Croatia remain one of international football’s most resilient tournament teams. They are tactically intelligent, difficult to break down and rarely allow matches to become chaotic.

England possess more pace, greater squad depth and stronger attacking options. However, Croatia’s ability to control the tempo means this is unlikely to be a comfortable evening for the Three Lions.

Expect a disciplined contest with relatively few clear-cut chances.

Prediction

England should edge it, but Croatia will make them work for every opportunity.

Correct Score Prediction: England 2-1 Croatia

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Ghana vs Panama

This could be one of the most competitive games of the opening round.

Neither side enters as a major tournament contender, which makes this match particularly important in the battle for qualification. With England and Croatia also in Group L, both teams know that dropping points here could prove costly.

Ghana possess greater attacking upside and individual talent, especially in transition. Panama, meanwhile, are organised, disciplined and dangerous from set pieces.

The match has all the ingredients of a tense, physical contest where one moment may decide the outcome.

Prediction

Ghana’s superior athleticism and attacking quality may just provide the difference.

Correct Score Prediction: Ghana 1-0 Panama

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Uzbekistan vs Colombia

Colombia begin their World Cup campaign as clear favourites against Uzbekistan.

The South Americans have a stronger squad, more international experience and greater attacking creativity. Uzbekistan have impressed to reach the tournament and should not be underestimated, but they face a difficult challenge against one of the stronger teams outside football’s traditional elite.

Colombia will likely dominate possession, while Uzbekistan look to defend in numbers and attack on the break.

If Colombia remain patient, opportunities should eventually appear.

Prediction

Uzbekistan’s organisation should keep the game competitive, but Colombia’s quality should prevail.

Correct Score Prediction: Uzbekistan 0-2 Colombia

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Final Predictions Summary

Match| Prediction
Portugal vs DR Congo| Portugal 3-0 DR Congo
England vs Croatia| England 2-1 Croatia
Ghana vs Panama| Ghana 1-0 Panama
Uzbekistan vs Colombia| Uzbekistan 0-2 Colombia