Wednesday, June 17, 2026: Argentina and England deliver, Portugal make life harder

Norway beat Iraq 4-1 and immediately answered France's win. In Group I, the message was clear: France would not have a free road. Norway improved their goal difference and showed that their long-distance duel with Les Bleus would be serious.

Argentina beat Algeria 3-0. This was the kind of opening win major nations like: clear, clean and without unnecessary debate. Argentina did not need to write a novel, they simply confirmed their status.

Austria beat Jordan 3-1, an important result in Group J after Argentina's success. They avoided leaving Argentina alone at the top and positioned themselves as a credible qualification candidate.

Portugal were held 1-1 by DR Congo. It was one of the first real stumbles by a major nation in the tournament. For Portugal, the road became more complicated. For DR Congo, the result gave their campaign immediate weight.

England closed the day with a 4-2 win over Croatia. The result was strong, but the score also said something: England had attacking answers, yet they left defensive openings.

Norway made Group I far more interesting. After France's 3-1 win over Senegal, Norway's 4-1 against Iraq meant France against Norway could already carry major weight for first place. France beat the more dangerous opponent on paper, Norway boosted their goal difference.

Group K became one of the most intriguing after Portugal's draw. A favourite dropping two points early opens the door to Colombia and gives DR Congo a real chance to matter.

Group L began with an ambitious but not airtight England. Croatia lost, but scoring twice against England can still matter for confidence.

DR Congo were the breakout story of the day. Holding Portugal at a World Cup is not just an honourable result. It asks everyone to read the group differently.

Argentina sent the coldest and most reassuring signal: no noise, no doubt, three goals, three points.

Colombia needed to take advantage of Portugal's slow start. In Group L, Ghana and Panama had to show whether England would already move clear or whether the group could thicken.