The daytime edition of "Night Mundial" opens with records: four group-stage matches of the 2026 World Cup concluded overnight (Kyiv time), with Cristiano Ronaldo as the main protagonist, rewriting a page of football history. Meanwhile, England wasted a chance to advance from their group early, while Colombia claimed a narrow but important victory.
Ronaldo — goals at six World Cups: a record even Messi never held
In a Group K match, Portugal demolished Uzbekistan 5:0 at a stadium in Houston. Ronaldo opened the scoring as early as the 6th minute and added a second on the 39th — and with that brace set two records at once: he became Portugal's all-time top scorer at World Cups (10 goals) and the first player in history to score at six different World Cup tournaments. Even Lionel Messi cannot boast six — as noted by Sky Sports.
Besides Ronaldo, Nuno Mendes (a precise free kick in the 17th minute), Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov's own goal (60th minute), and Rafael Leão (87th) also got on the scoresheet. After the match, the 41-year-old captain posted on social media: "We are here!" — a message to the team and critics following a poor start (a 1:1 draw with DR Congo). Portugal have 4 points in Group K; their next match is against Colombia, which will determine the group winner.
England — 0:0 with Ghana: qualification not yet confirmed
At Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, England under Thomas Tuchel drew 0:0 with Ghana and failed to take the opportunity to secure their place in the round of 32 early. The closest to a goal was Nico O'Reilly, who headed the crossbar in the second half, while Harry Kane failed to convert the rebound. Ghana could also have claimed a penalty after an incident involving Prince Adu and Ezri Konsa in the penalty area with 10 minutes to go — the referee did not react, ESPN reports.
England remain in Group L with a comfortable points cushion, but the question of qualification will be settled definitively in the final round.
Colombia beat DR Congo: Muñoz on the scoresheet again
In a Group K match at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Mexico, Colombia defeated DR Congo 1:0. The only goal was scored by Daniel Muñoz — already his second at this tournament for the defender. The victory allowed Colombia to strengthen their position in the group ahead of the decisive match against Portugal.
Croatia beat Panama, Group L remains wide open
Croatia defeated Panama 1:0 at BMO Field in Toronto. The result keeps the intrigue alive in Group L: England, Croatia, and Ghana continue to fight for two spots in the round of 32. The full picture of the group will become clear after the final round.
Tonight — the final day of Groups A, B, and C
Today, June 24, three groups conclude simultaneously: Switzerland vs. Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar (Group B, kick-off at 22:00 Kyiv time), Scotland vs. Brazil and Morocco vs. Haiti (Group C, 01:00 Kyiv time on June 25), Czech Republic vs. Mexico and South Korea vs. South Africa (Group A, 04:00 Kyiv time on June 25). A detailed preview will be published in the preview section at 18:45.
Photo: ANI · Editorial (source)
