World Cup 2026: Portugal Stunned by DR Congo, England Dominate Croatia, Ghana Win Late

The seventh day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered a seismic shock in Houston, a statement victory in Dallas, and a heart-stopping finish in Toronto, as the tournament’s expanded format continued to produce compelling narratives. While the headlines were expected to be dominated by Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and an England side seeking redemption, it was the underdogs who stole the show. DR Congo held the European giants to a famous draw, England dismantled a familiar foe, and Ghana left it desperately late to break Panamanian hearts. The day’s drama, however, extended far beyond the pitch, with wild celebrations erupting in Oslo after Norway’s historic qualification.

Portugal Held in Stalemate by DR Congo

In the early kickoff at NRG Stadium, Portugal were expected to cruise past a DR Congo side making their first World Cup appearance in decades. Instead, they were left frustrated and searching for answers after a 1-1 draw that felt like a defeat. According to The Athletic’s live blog, Portugal dominated possession with 75% of the ball but managed only a single goal from João Neves in the 6th minute. The Leopards, however, refused to wilt and equalized deep into first-half stoppage time through Yoane Wissa, who capitalized on a rare defensive lapse. The result was a stunning blow to Roberto Martinez’s star-studded lineup, which featured the 41-year-old Ronaldo in his record sixth World Cup.

Ronaldo Frustrated as Dominance Fails to Yield Victory

Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been tipped to add to his international goal tally, cut an increasingly isolated figure as the match wore on. USA Today noted that Portugal “stumbled” in their opener, with Ronaldo unable to find the net despite his side’s territorial advantage. The Athletic’s match report highlighted that Portugal’s expected goals (xG) of 0.65 was actually lower than DR Congo’s 0.87, underscoring the lack of cutting edge in the final third. WION’s roundup described the result as a “shock,” emphasizing that the Europeans were held despite their overwhelming control. For Ronaldo, the wait for a goal in this tournament goes on, and questions will now be asked about Portugal’s ability to break down compact defenses.

DR Congo’s Resilience Earns Historic Point

For DR Congo, the draw was a monumental achievement. The Athletic’s live reaction captured the jubilant scenes among the Congolese players and staff at full time, with the point representing their first in a World Cup since 1974. Their defensive organization, marshaled by captain Chancel Mbemba, frustrated Portugal’s array of attacking talent, while Wissa’s clinical finish just before the interval gave them a deserved reward. The result throws Group K wide open and sends a warning to the rest of the tournament that the expanded field is no guarantee of easy passage for traditional powers.

England Overwhelm Croatia in Dallas

If Portugal’s performance was a cause for concern, England’s was a statement of intent. In a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semifinal, Gareth Southgate’s side dismantled Croatia 4-2 at AT&T Stadium. WION reported that Harry Kane scored a brace, with Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also getting on the scoresheet. The victory was far more comfortable than the scoreline suggested, as England’s high press and fluid attacking movement repeatedly carved open a Croatian defense that looked a shadow of the unit that reached the final four years ago.

Kane and Bellingham Shine

Harry Kane’s two goals took him closer to Wayne Rooney’s all-time England scoring record, while Jude Bellingham’s all-action display in midfield drew comparisons to the tournament’s elite performers. USA Today’s coverage noted that England “rolled” past their opponents, with the midfield trio of Bellingham, Declan Rice, and Phil Foden controlling the tempo from start to finish. The result puts England firmly in control of Group I and sends a clear message to rivals that they are genuine contenders.

Ghana’s Late Drama Sinks Panama

In Toronto, Ghana left it until the 95th minute to secure a 1-0 victory over Panama, sparking wild celebrations among their supporters. WION’s post highlighted Caleb Yirenkyi as the hero, scoring a dramatic winner deep into added time. The match had been a tense, physical affair, with Panama defending resolutely and threatening on the counter. The Athletic’s separate match report on the game noted that hydration breaks were met with boos from the crowd, reflecting the stop-start nature of the contest. But Ghana’s persistence paid off, and the three points could prove vital in a group that also includes a strong Uruguay side.

Norway’s Royal Celebration After Qualification

Away from the day’s matches, the most extraordinary scenes unfolded in Oslo. NBC News reported that Norwegian fans took their dawn celebrations to the gates of the royal palace, hoping to wake 89-year-old King Harald V after the men’s national team secured qualification to the knockout stages with a thrilling 3-2 win over Senegal. The match ended around 4 a.m. local time, but that did not deter thousands from flooding the streets. The story captured the unifying power of the World Cup, as a nation that has long underachieved on the global stage finally has a team to believe in, led by the irrepressible Erling Haaland.

The Bigger Picture

Day 7 of the 2026 World Cup will be remembered for the unpredictability that defines the tournament’s expanded format. Portugal’s stumble against DR Congo leaves them needing a response against Uzbekistan, and with Colombia also in Group K, the path to the last 32 is suddenly treacherous. England, by contrast, have laid down a marker and can approach their remaining group games with confidence. Ghana’s late winner keeps them in contention in a tight group, while Norway’s qualification party signals the arrival of a new force. For the traditional giants, the message is clear: no opponent can be taken lightly, and the margin for error is razor-thin.