World Cup 2026 Golden Boot standingspublished at 10:06 BST
'Magnificent' - Messi scores hat-trick to equal Klose scoring record
Summary
Fifa World Cup 2026: England score four goals as they win their opening game against Croatia at Dallas Stadium and top their group - highlights
Harry Kane scores twice to put himself in the running to win Golden Boot again
Zlatan Ibrahimovic says Harry Kane 'is prepared to do things a star wouldn't do normally'
This was a game you could not turn your gaze away from for a second, writes BBC Sport's Phil McNulty
Watch World Cup 606 by pressing watch live at the top of this page
From one to 48 - every World Cup team ranked after first game
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World Cup 2026 Golden Boot standingspublished at 10:06 BST
Media caption, 'The game passed him by'published at 10:02 BST
Portugal 1-1 DR Congo
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Premier League striker Chris Sutton, commentating for BBC Radio 5 Live, was critical of Portugal boss Roberto Martinez and his decision to leave Ronaldo - who has 229 caps and 143 goals for his country - on the field for the full match in Houston.
As striker Goncalo Ramos replaced midfielder Vitinha in the 83th minute, Sutton said: "That's embarrassing from Martinez. It might work but are we all watching a different game?
"He's scared to take him off. He's not the manager. [Ronaldo] may end up scoring the winner but the game has passed him by today."
get involved Get Involved - 'Kane is essential'published at 10:01 BST
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England were good going forward. Kane is essential. Pickford and back four need to gel. Good start, let's not get too carried away. Decent game to watch. 4 years ago we stuck 6 past Iran. Croatia are better so fine all round.
GeoSaintGeorge, Worcester
Wissa earns DR Congo a drawpublished at 09:58 BST
Portugal 1-1 DR Congo
Image source, Getty ImagesPortugal's opening group match did not go to plan for Cristiano Ronaldo nor his much-lauded team-mates, despite them taking a sixth-minute lead when Pedro Neto's left-wing cross was superbly headed in by Paris St-Germain's Joao Neves.
Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa nodded in a deserved equaliser for DR Congo just before half-time and for all Portugal's dominance of the ball - they had 75% possession - they managed only seven attempts at goal. Only one - the goal scored by Neves - was on target.
Ronaldo struggles to make an impactpublished at 09:55 BST
Portugal 1-1 DR Congo
Image source, Getty ImagesThree of football's biggest superstars lit up the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday.
Kylian Mbappe's two goals against Senegal made him France's all-time leading scorer.
Norway's Erling Haaland then marked his World Cup debut with two goals in a victory against Iraq.
Lionel Messi went one better, netting a hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria to move level with Germany's Miroslav Klose as the joint-leading goalscorer in World Cup finals history.
On Wednesday, the stage was set for Cristiano Ronaldo to make his own mark on the tournament - but the Portugal captain was unable to follow suit.
Ronaldo struggled to make an impact in his first opportunity to make history by becoming the first man to score in six different World Cups.
By starting the match, Ronaldo became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match at 41 years and 132 days of age.
It was a surprise, therefore, that the veteran was left on the field for the duration of the match.
Poll - Who will win the Golden Boot?published at 09:51 BST
So who do you think think will score the most goals at the 2026 World Cup and take home the coveted Golden Boot?
Do let us know in the poll below...
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 09:47 BST
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Kane’s intention wasn’t to try buy a second penalty. Because the keeper usually likes to dive early for penalties, (in theory) the stutter run-up should be a wise tactic as it gives Kane time to see which way the keeper goes and he can slot it the other way.
Adam, London
'Kane prepared to do things a star wouldn't do normally'published at 09:44 BST
England 4-2 Croatia
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Former Sweden forward on Fox SportsHarry Kane scored two goals but what I liked the most is he blocked a shot in his own area in the last few minutes.
When you see a top player defend like he does, the sacrifice - he wants to win. He’s prepared to do things a star wouldn’t do normally.
Who else is in running for Golden Boot?published at 09:40 BST
Image source, Getty ImagesLionel Messi's first hat-trick at a World Cup in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria puts him in the lead in the Golden Boot race after the first set of fixtures.
2022 Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland also scored two goals apiece in opening wins for France and Norway respectively - joining England's Harry Kane among seven players sharing the second spot.
Kai Havertz (Germany), Elijah Just (New Zealand), Yasin Ayari (Sweden) and Folarin Balogun (USA) are the other players to have struck twice in the tournament.
However, Messi's great rival Cristiano Ronaldo drew a blank for Portugal in their opener against DR Congo but remains a contender, with his side one of the pre-tournament favourites.
Kane enters Golden Boot racepublished at 09:35 BST
England 4-2 Croatia
Image source, Getty ImagesEngland captain Harry Kane joined the Golden Boot conversation with a brilliant double against Croatia in their World Cup opener last night.
Kane previously won the honour in 2018, scoring six goals as England reached the semi-finals in Russia only to lose to Croatia in extra-time.
He became only the second Englishman to finish as the top scorer in a World Cup after Gary Lineker scored six goals in 1986.
All of Kane's goals in the 2018 tournament came in England's first four games, with three from the penalty spot.
If the 32-year-old can replicate that same clinical touch in front of goal this time around, it will put England in good stead to challenge for the trophy once again.
get involved Get Involved - 'It felt like Bazball football'published at 09:31 BST
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For those who know cricket, that felt like ‘Bazball’ football. A joy to see us not sitting back and defending a lead but hungry to go for more. Well done Thomas Tuchel! Let’s beat Ghana and then rest a lot of players v Panama.
Tom
Those subs last night were almost like what South Africa do in the rugby when they bring on the "bomb squad" to seal a game.
James
Stuttering penalties 'all mind games'published at 09:28 BST
England 4-2 Croatia
David James
Former England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live 606When asked by James, from Wolverhampton, whether stuttering penalties should be allowed:
"It’s not cheating," said David James.
"Had Harry Kane had not done the step then it there wouldn’t have been encroachment, and we would have missed the penalty, so I'm glad Harry put the step in the first one.
"It’s all mind games, its all trickery. The second one, he didn’t do the step, the goalkeeper dived the other way and he scored."
You can watch World Cup 606 with Aaron Paul and former England goalkeeper David James by clicking watch live at the top of this page.
Image source, Getty Imagesget involved Get Involvedpublished at 09:23 BST
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Kane's penalty explanation is embarrassing. "I knew it might get him off the line" Basically saying if I miss I might get another chance - just take it properly in the first place!
Louis, Cumbria
Fair point Louis, but we could cut him some slack, considering he tucked away the retake and went on to add another.
Kane is your player of the matchpublished at 09:19 BST
England 4-2 Croatia
BBC Sport viewers voted Harry Kane as player of the match against Croatia after scoring two of England's four goals on the night.
That earned him a 8.32 rating, with Jude Bellingham the runner-up with 7.40. Marcus Rashford, despite only coming on for the final 20 minutes, is third with a 7.27 average.
At the bottom of the ratings is Anthony Gordon [5.54].
You can find all of the player ratings here
'Kane is indispensable for England'published at 09:14 BST
England 4-2 Croatia
Paul Robinson
Former England goalkeeper on BBC Football DailyHarry Kane was excellent. Look at the numbers he has posted for England season in, season out - he is indispensable. That's how important he is.
I used the word 'Captain Marvel' in commentary. He scored the two goals but he didn't want to talk about it after the game. He only wanted to talk about the team.
He scored the double and in the last five minutes of the game, he is inside his own six-yard box making a block with his chest to deny Croatia a third goal. He is so important for England both on and off the field. And with him in the team, you feel you have a chance.
get involved Get Involved - 'Great to see change in mentality'published at 09:11 BST
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Tuchel has everything previous managers haven’t had. Energy, intensity, edginess, and massively astute. Previous bosses have been far too dour and realistic and we narrowly drew against minnows teams.
Ryan, London
Great start and nice to see a change in mentality from the play it safe until it's to late under Southgate to if we lose we lose our way under Tuchel. Defense is still an issue neither Stones or Konsa were convincing, need Guehi back in with one of them.
Jon, Wrexham
Postpublished at 09:08 BST
England 4-2 Croatia
BBC World Cup pundits Joe Hart and Wayne Rooney analysed Harry Kane's change in techniques for his retaken penalty.
Media caption, Hart impressed by Kane's attention to detail with penalties
'I knew stuttered run-up might get keeper off line'published at 09:04 BST
England 4-2 Croatia
Image source, Getty ImagesHarry Kane said he knew his stuttered run-up might draw goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic off his goalline - enabling him to score a penalty at the second attempt in England's 4-2 win over Croatia.
The striker was able to give England the lead from the penalty spot - but only thanks to the video assistant referee (VAR).
After Luka Modric fouled Noni Madueke, Kane stepped up - and saw his first effort saved by Croatia keeper Livakovic. The VAR stepped in to give Kane a second chance because Livakovic was off his line.
"When I watched the clips I saw he likes to move early, so I knew that there was a chance that if I did the stutter that he would come off the line," Kane told BBC Sport.
"I was 80% sure that it was off the line, I wasn't 100% sure, then obviously when it got retaken I changed the technique a little bit. This is all why I do the research, and in the end it worked out nicely for me."
At the time a penalty is taken the keeper must have one foot on or above the line, and images showed that Livakovic had moved fractionally too soon. But even if the keeper had stayed on his line, the penalty would still have been retaken.
After Livakovic made the save the loose ball dropped to Manchester City's Josko Gvardiol to clear for Croatia. But he had also moved too quickly and was inside the area when Kane took his first attempt.
World Cup 606published at 09:00 BST
England 4-2 Croatia
You can watch a World Cup 606 with Aaron Paul and former England goalkeeper David James by clicking watch live at the top of this page.
They'll be asking:
- Was that the most refreshing England performance in years?
- Are you worried about the defence?
- Who’s the team of the World Cup so far?
Fancy getting in touch with the show? Details below:
Phone 08085 909693 free from mobiles and landlines. Text 85058 at your standard message rate.
Terms: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/18br0lZdV7sgQTCK52z5d8Q/about-radio-5-live
Postpublished at 08:56 BST
England 4-2 Croatia
Media caption, Kane puts England ahead against Croatia with retaken penalty
Harry Kane’s opening goal for England had a hint of fortune to it.
His initial penalty was saved, only for the VAR to order a retake after Dominik Livakovic strayed off his line before Kane kicked the ball.
But second time around, the England captain made no mistake.
FIFA World Cup Scores and fixtures
Thursday 18th June
Group L
All times are UK and subject to change. BBC is not responsible for any changes.
FIFA World Cup
Skip to table key
Group A
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
|
Group B
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
|
Group C
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
|
Group D
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 0 |
|
Group E
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 7 | -6 | 0 |
|
Group F
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 0 |
|
Group G
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
|
Group H
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|
Group I
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 0 |
|
Group J
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
|
Group K
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
|
Group L
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 0 |
|
3rd Place Ranking
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
|
Key
- Position 1, 2: 16th Finals
- Position 3: Possible 16th Finals
