Four matches close the second phase of the 2026 World Cup this Tuesday, June 23. The agenda foresees the challenge of Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, in search of their first victory against Uzbekistan. England, in turn, will try to maintain their impeccable performance against Ghana. The day still holds clashes between Panama and Croatia, and Colombia against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Matchup details and live streams for the day’s games
Follow the game times and broadcast platforms for this Tuesday below:
- 2pm – Portugal x Uzbekistan
Where to watch: CazéTV
- 5pm – England x Ghana
Where to watch: TV Globo, sportv, Globoplay, ge.globo, SBT, NSports and CazéTV
- 8pm – Panama x Croatia
Where to watch: CazéTV
- 11pm – Colombia x DR Congo
Where to watch: TV Globo, sportv, Globoplay, ge.globo and CazéTV
Portugal faces Uzbekistan seeking to avoid a climate of crisis
The Portugal team begins its daily journey facing Uzbekistan, in the city of Houston, in a match valid for Group K. After a performance below expectations and a 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo in the opening round, the European team experienced days of internal turmoil. Statements by players like João Neves and Francisco Conceição about Cristiano Ronaldo generated controversy and created tensions, even among family members and the athletes’ fans, a scenario that historically destabilizes teams in major competitions and makes unity crucial.
Coach Roberto Martínez also became the target of questioning for his decisions. Amid this uncertain environment, Cristiano Ronaldo himself and full-back Diogo Dalot tried to calm things down. Even with the turbulence, Portugal is seen as favorite against the Uzbeks, who are participating in their first World Cup and were beaten 3-1 by Colombia in the opening match.
England look to maintain 100% campaign against Ghana in Group L
Subsequently, the England team will face Ghana, in Boston, in a Group L duel. This meeting brings together two teams that secured victories in the first round of the tournament. The English defeated Croatia 4-2, with goals scored by Harry Kane (twice), Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford. The Ghanaians beat Panama 1-0, thanks to a goal from Yirenkyi in stoppage time.
The expectation is that Thomas Tuchel will maintain the starting lineup that started the competition on a high note, with Kane and Bellingham as pillars. Bukayo Saka, in turn, should remain on the bench, with game time controlled. On the African side, the main news is the return of midfielder Thomas Partey, who was absent in the debut after being denied a visa to enter Canada due to accusations of rape and sexual assault.
Croatia plays for recovery in decisive clash against Panama
Croatia, semi-finalists in the previous two editions of the World Cup, are looking to turn things around after their defeat to England. Although they had a good first half, the Croatian team was dominated in the second stage and ended up losing 4-2. Now, the team faces Panama, in Toronto, Canada, in a crucial match for both their ambitions in Group L. Whoever is defeated could find themselves in a delicate situation, close to elimination.
Colombia aims for an early place against the Democratic Republic of Congo
Concluding the schedule, Colombia faces the Democratic Republic of Congo, in the city of Guadalajara, Mexico, with the aim of advancing its classification to the next phase. After the 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in the opening round, a new victory ensures the Colombians’ early qualification.
The Colombian attack, one of the most powerful in the tournament, is led by names like James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz, Luis Suárez and Jhon Arias. On the other hand, the Congolese team tries to continue surprising, after having won a draw with Portugal in their debut. Back at the World Cup after 52 years, marking a historic return full of symbolism, the African team is looking for its first victory in the history of the competition.
In addition to prominent players on the field such as Wissa, Mbemba and Wan-Bissaka, the Democratic Republic of Congo will also have a special presence in the stands: Lumumba Vea, an emblematic fan who pays tribute to Patrice Lumumba, a central figure in the country’s history.