A day after Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi started their World Cups with multi-goal games, Harry Kane arrived on the scene — but Cristiano Ronaldo couldn't.
The England captain scored twice in England's victory over Croatia, while Ronaldo failed to make a significant impact in Portugal's draw against DR Congo. Ronaldo's role in the Portuguese national team has been a topic of discussion, and his performance on Wednesday will not help allay concerns.
Here's everything you might have missed on Day 7 of the 2026 World Cup.
Portugal vs. DR Congo
- At 41 years and 132 days, Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the second oldest player to start a game in World Cup history, behind Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El Hadary, who played in 2018 (45 years, 161 days). He is now the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup game.
- DR Congo recorded their first point in World Cup history and scored their first goal. To date, he had conceded 14 goals and not scored in three games played in 1974, when the country was known as Zaire.
- DR Congo is the second African team in this tournament to record a point against a team in the top five of the FIFA World Ranking (Cape Verde against Spain).
- Portuguese midfielder Vitinha set a World Cup record by attempting 128 passes and completing 121, being the player who played less than 90 minutes since 1966 (according to OPTA). Vitinha completed 91 passes in the first half, just seven fewer than DR Congo (98) in the first 45 minutes (according to OPTA).
- This game was the first in the 21st century World Cup to see two players under 1.75m tall (João Neves and Yoane Wissa) score with headers (according to OPTA). Wissa's goal was DR Congo's ninth in their 39th appearance.
England vs. Croatia
- Harry Kane's two goals make him the 10th player to score 80 or more international goals, and only the fifth European to do so (Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, Romelu Lukaku of Belgium, Robert Lewandowski of Poland and Ferenc Puskás of Hungary).
- Kane became the second player to score for England in three World Cups (2018, 2022 and 2026). The other player is David Beckham (1998, 2002 and 2006).
- After Inter Miami's Lionel Messi scored a hat trick on Tuesday and FC Dallas' Petar Musa scored against England, an MLS player scored on consecutive days for the first time in World Cup history.
- Ivan Perišić assisted Musa's goal. He now has assists in four World Cups. The only other player to achieve this since 1966 is Messi.
- Reece James, England's right-back, started the match. He and his sister, Lauren, are now the first sibling pair to start games at both the men's and women's World Cups.
Ghana vs. Panama
- Jordan Ayew (2014, 2022 and 2026) became the fourth Ghanaian player to participate in three editions of the World Cup, joining Asamoah Gyan, Sulley Muntari and his brother, André Ayew.
- Carlos Queiroz of Ghana became the third person to coach at five men's World Cups.
- Panama was the 11th team in this tournament to seek its first World Cup victory (they lost all three games in their debut in 2018). All 12 teams did not win their first game (Qatar, Canada, Haiti, Curaçao, Cape Verde, Egypt, New Zealand, Iraq, Jordan, DR Congo and Uzbekistan).
- José Córdoba completed 63 passes in the first half against Ghana, the most for a Panamanian player in the first half of the World Cup (according to OPTA).
- Caleb Yirenkyi's decisive goal in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time was the latest in Ghana's World Cup history.
Uzbekistan vs. Colombia
- Colombia have not lost a competitive game since March 2025, with a 2-1 defeat against Brazil.
- Luis Díaz became only the second Colombian player to score and assist in a World Cup game since records began in 1966, joining teammate James Rodríguez (2014 v Japan).
- Since 1998, Colombia has scored in 10 consecutive World Cup games. This ties with Argentina for longest active streak.
- Rodríguez became the third Colombian player to participate in three editions of the World Cup (2014, 2018 and 2026), following Freddy Rincón and Carlos Valderrama (both in 1990, 1994 and 1998).
- Fabio Cannavaro became only the fourth person in history to have won the Ballon d'Or and participated in a World Cup as a player and coach. The others: Franz Beckenbauer, Oleg Blokhin and Marco van Basten.
BEST OF THE DAY
Goal of the Day
Daniel Muñoz
Right Defense
Colombia entered their opening World Cup game against Uzbekistan as heavy favorites and played as such. Colombia dominated the first 39 minutes, but needed a moment of brilliance to finally open the scoring.
Bayern Munich star Luis Díaz picked up the ball on the left side of the field and spotted a run by right-back Daniel Muñoz. The lofted pass found the Crystal Palace player in progress and resulted in the game's opening goal. Muñoz seized the momentum of Díaz's pass and deflected his shot past Utkir Yusupov to give Colombia a deserved lead.
Assistance of the Day
Bukayo Saka
Extreme
There were some impressive assists today, specifically the two assists for Croatia's goals, but a combination of England substitutes provided the cherry on top for the Three Lions' victory.
Saka collected the ball on the right wing and advanced, playing a perfect pass to Marcus Rashford as he made a run down the left flank. Rashford caught the ball and finished calmly.
Although Saka and Rashford didn't start, it wouldn't be a surprise to see them have more of an impact for England later in the tournament.
Defenses of the Day
Dominik Livakovic
Goalkeeper
Livakovic was busy on Wednesday, facing 22 shots against England. He made seven saves, several of which came in a row.
First, England defender Nico O’Reilly headed towards goal and forced a reflex save from Livakovic. Winger Anthony Gordon had a header saved just a few meters from goal, and then Livakovic saved defender Ezri Konsa's shot from just a few meters away.
He didn't stop there and made an impressive save from a Kane shot just a few minutes later. It was an impressive performance from Livakovic, who plays for Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia.
Moment of the Day
Yoane Wissa
Advanced
Portugal started the match with an easy goal against DR Congo after Neves' impressive header. Wissa responded later in the first half, making history for his country.
This is DR Congo's first World Cup under this name. When it was known as Zaire in 1974, it lost all three games without scoring a goal.
Wissa rose highest to head impressively past Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa. It was a wonderful moment in Houston for a DR Congo team that showed that it is not content with just qualifying for the World Cup.
DR Congo had opportunities in transitions at the end of the game, but did not seriously test Costa again. At the final whistle, they will be satisfied to have gained a point with the draw.