Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo dribbles the ball during the international friendly football match between Portugal and Chile at Estadio Nacional do Jamor in Oeiras, on June 6, 2026. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP)
England begin another bid to end their long wait for World Cup glory on Wednesday when they face Croatia in their opening match, while Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo prepares to make history by appearing in a record-equalling sixth FIFA World Cup.
The tournament’s spotlight has already been seized by Ronaldo’s longtime rival, Lionel Messi, who delivered a stunning hat-trick for Argentina on Tuesday to equal the all-time World Cup scoring record despite being 38 years old.
The two football icons have dominated the sport for nearly two decades, winning a combined 13 Ballon d’Or awards and rewriting numerous records along the way.
Ronaldo, now 41, is expected to captain Portugal in their opening Group match against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Houston. Portugal enter the tournament with one of the most talented squads in the competition and are chasing their first-ever World Cup title.
Meanwhile, England captain Harry Kane has urged his teammates to embrace the occasion and play without fear as they begin their campaign against Croatia at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
England remain among the favourites to lift the trophy after several deep runs in recent international tournaments. However, the Three Lions continue to carry the burden of a 60-year wait since their only World Cup triumph in 1966.
“For sure it’s one of the best opportunities we will have as a team to win it,” Kane said ahead of the clash.
“I think everyone is eager to start well and prove that we have the capabilities of going far in this tournament. Ultimately, the message is just to be free in the mind.”
Elsewhere on Wednesday, Ghana will face Panama in Toronto in another Group L fixture, while tournament debutants Uzbekistan take on Colombia in Group K at the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Messi Creates More History
Tuesday belonged to Messi, who celebrated his 200th international appearance by reaching another remarkable milestone.
The Argentine legend became the first player to feature in six World Cups when he led Argentina onto the pitch at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, a feat Ronaldo is expected to match when Portugal play their opener.
Exactly 20 years after his first World Cup appearance, Messi produced one of the finest performances of his international career, scoring the first World Cup hat-trick of his illustrious career.
His opening goal in the 17th minute took his World Cup tally to 14, drawing level with German legend Gerd Müller and French star Kylian Mbappé.
A second goal after the break moved him onto 15 World Cup goals, alongside Brazilian great Ronaldo Nazário.
Messi then completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute to reach 16 World Cup goals, matching the record previously held by former German striker Miroslav Klose before leaving the field to a standing ovation.
Argentina, who famously defeated France in the dramatic final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, have once again signalled their intentions of challenging for the title.
France also made a strong start to their campaign, defeating Senegal 3-1. Mbappé scored twice, underlining his status as one of the tournament’s biggest stars and a leading contender to challenge Messi’s latest record-breaking exploits.
