This World Cup’s expanded format has stretched out the group stage, meaning eight sides have had to wait nearly a week since the start of the tournament to get started, but by the end of Wednesday all 48 teams participating in the 2026 World Cup will have played a match.
England will start their campaign against Croatia in a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semi-final, while Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal will take on the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Uzbekistan are set to make their World Cup debut against Colombia with Ghana up against Panama in a match that could effectively end one team’s chances of making the knockout rounds given the strength of the competition in Group L.
Here is your complete guide on how to watch Wednesday’s World Cup games, including kick-off times, broadcast networks, and online streaming options.
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Portugal v Democratic Republic of the Congo
Time (ET): 1pm
Stadium: Houston Stadium
How to watch
United States: Fox / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)
Canada: TSN (Stream)
United Kingdom: BBC (Stream)
Australia: SBS (Stream)
What to watch for
This may be the strongest squad Portugal have ever taken to a World Cup. Roberto Martínez has multiple options in all areas of the pitch and yet some observers question whether Cristiano Ronaldo should still be leading the line at age 41. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward isn’t the player he was a few years ago.
The DRC haven’t appeared at a World Cup since 1974 when they were known as Zaire. Despite an Ebola crisis back home, the Leopards have the attacking talent to make an impact at the tournament. Their counterattack will make them an exhilarating watch.
Player to watch: Vitinha, Portugal – arguably the best central midfielder in the world, the Paris Saint-Germain man will be a big part of Portugal’s gameplan to control and manipulate possession in most matches they play at this World Cup.
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England v Croatia
Time (ET): 4pm
Stadium: Dallas Stadium
How to watch
United States: Fox / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)
Canada: TSN (Stream)
United Kingdom: ITV
Australia: SBS (Stream)
What to watch for
Thomas Tuchel’s decision to omit players such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer could backfire if England lack creativity on the ball at this World Cup. Otherwise, the Three Lions boast one of the strongest squads at the tournament, and arguably their strongest-ever squad at a World Cup.
Croatia have the muscle memory of making deep runs at major tournaments, and of beating England at World Cups. Luka Modric and co beat Gareth Southgate’s side in their semi-final at Russia 2018 and still have a core of experienced players accustomed to performing when it matters most.
Player to watch: Elliot Anderson, England – while there will be bigger names on display in Dallas, Anderson may be the player who gives England control in the center of the pitch. The Nottingham Forest midfielder could wrestle the game away from Modric.
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Ghana v Panama
Time (ET): 7pm
Stadium: Toronto Stadium
How to watch
United States: FS1 / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)
Canada: TSN (Stream)
United Kingdom: ITV
Australia: SBS (Stream)
What to watch for
That Ghana are at this World Cup is somewhat confusing considering the crisis they found themselves in not so long ago. Carlos Queiroz was hired just two months ago to bring some defensive stability to a team that have shipped too many goals in recent times. Whether or not he has had enough time to mould Ghana in his own image remains to be seen.
Panama, on the other hand, have developed a lot under the Danish manager Thomas Christiansen, who has helped to turn Los Canaleros into a team capable of holding their own technically and physically against most opponents. Panama should be taken seriously.
Player to watch: Antoine Semenyo, Ghana – the Manchester City attacker will be Ghana’s primary threat in the final third, although his record of just three goals in 34 international caps is underwhelming for a player of his ability and status.
What to read
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Uzbekistan v Colombia
Time (ET): 10pm
Stadium: Mexico City Stadium
How to watch
United States: FS1 / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)
Canada: TSN (Stream)
United Kingdom: BBC (Stream)
Australia: SBS (Stream)
What to watch for
Uzbekistan will make their World Cup debut at the Estadio Azteca and their AFC qualification campaign suggests they could be something of a surprise package. Coached by World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro, the White Wolves kept seven clean sheets in 10 games in the final phase of qualification.
Colombia are back at the World Cup after missing the 2022 tournament in Qatar and have good reason to believe they can make a run. In what will be the first-ever meeting between these two nations, competitive or otherwise, a defence v attack encounter will be the expectation.
Player to watch: Luis Díaz, Colombia – the Bayern Munich winger scored 26 goals in all competitions at club level last season and will be one of the most electrifying forward players at this World Cup. Díaz is the one player Colombia need in top form.
What to read
• This article was corrected on 17 June 2026 to correct references to which channel matches were available on in the United Kingdom
