FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 7: Ronaldo eyes sixth World Cup appearance as Portugal opens campaign, England-Croatia set to renew rivalry; how to watch live streaming in US and Canada - check kick-off time and venues

FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 7: One day after Lionel Messi stole the spotlight with a stunning return to the FIFA World Cup stage, attention now shifts to his longtime rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, as Matchday 7 of FIFA World Cup 2026 promises to bring another slate of compelling storylines.

Messi's scintillating performance in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria on Tuesday (June 16, 2026) not only helped the defending champions begin their title defense in style but also saw the Argentine icon become the first player to appear in six World Cup tournaments.

Now, the stage is set for Ronaldo to make history of his own. If the Portugal captain takes the field against DR Congo on Wednesday (June 17, 2026), he will match Messi's record by becoming just the second player ever to feature in six FIFA World Cups.


Ronaldo's milestone quest will be one of the marquee attractions on a day that also marks the opening of Group K and Group L action. Portugal's clash with DR Congo in Houston carries added intrigue beyond Ronaldo's pursuit of history. DR Congo are making their first World Cup appearance in 52 years and will be eager to make a statement against one of Europe's traditional powers.

Group L, meanwhile, opens with a heavyweight showdown between England and Croatia. Both nations arrived at the tournament unbeaten in European qualifying, adding another chapter to a rivalry that includes their memorable meeting in the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Later in the day, the spotlight shifts from Dallas to Toronto, where Ghana begin their campaign against Panama. Ghana impressed during CAF qualifying and enter the tournament with growing expectations, while Panama are appearing in only their second World Cup and will be looking to prove they belong on the global stage.

The second Group K fixture will see Uzbekistan make their World Cup debut against Colombia in Mexico City. Led by 2006 World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro, Uzbekistan have emerged as one of the tournament's most intriguing newcomers.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 7

• Portugal v Congo DR – Group K - Houston Stadium - 1 p.m. ET
• England v Croatia – Group L - Dallas Stadium - 4 p.m. ET
• Ghana v Panama – Group L - Toronto Stadium - 7 p.m. ET
• Uzbekistan v Colombia – Group K - Mexico City Stadium - 10 p.m. ET

How to watch FIFA World Cup 2026 live in US

• Channels: FOX, Fox Sports 1, Telemundo, Universo, Fubo, YT TV and Hulu
• Streaming: Fox One, Peacock, DirecTV, Fubo

How to watch FIFA World Cup 2026 live in Canada

• Channels/Streaming: TSN, CTV and RDS