The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues Wednesday with four group-stage matches spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico. For Sportsfila readers in the United States, the day is especially clean to follow: FOX Sports lists two games on FOX and two on FS1, all also available through FOX One.
The headline fixture is England vs Croatia in Group L, a meeting with obvious tournament weight even this early in the group stage. Portugal also open their Group K campaign against DR Congo, while Ghana face Panama and Uzbekistan meet Colombia later in the day.
June 17 World Cup schedule
- Portugal vs DR Congo — Group K, Houston Stadium, 1 p.m. ET, FOX / FOX One.
- England vs Croatia — Group L, Dallas Stadium, 4 p.m. ET, FOX / FOX One.
- Ghana vs Panama — Group L, Toronto Stadium, 7 p.m. ET, FS1 / FOX One.
- Uzbekistan vs Colombia — Group K, Mexico City Stadium, 10 p.m. ET, FS1 / FOX One.
What matters in the early window
Portugal vs DR Congo starts the day in Houston and gives Group K its first major reference point. In a 48-team tournament, a fast start can change the pressure level immediately: three points in the opener can put a team on track for the knockout phase, while a defeat can make the second match feel like an elimination game.
Portugal will be expected to control long stretches of possession, but openers are rarely simple. DR Congo can make the match uncomfortable if they keep the game compact and turn transitions into set pieces or quick counters. For viewers, the key early question is whether Portugal create high-quality chances quickly or allow the underdog to grow into the game.
England vs Croatia is the main draw
England vs Croatia is the most obvious marquee game of the day. The two national teams carry recent World Cup history, tournament experience and a level of public expectation that makes the opener bigger than a normal group match.
For England, the first 30 minutes will be important. A controlled start would settle nerves and reduce the risk of chasing the game. Croatia’s route is likely to come through composure in midfield, slowing the tempo and forcing England to defend for longer spells than they want.
Late games: Ghana, Panama, Uzbekistan and Colombia
Ghana vs Panama gives Group L a second data point after England and Croatia. If either favorite drops points earlier in the day, this match becomes even more significant for the shape of the group. Ghana’s athleticism and Panama’s organization make it a game where set pieces and mistakes could decide the result.
The nightcap, Uzbekistan vs Colombia, closes the day in Mexico City. Colombia enter with more global name recognition, but Uzbekistan have reached this stage with enough structure to make the final window worth watching. With kickoff at 10 p.m. ET, it is the kind of late match that can quietly swing a group before many casual viewers have caught up.
Sources
- FOX Sports: 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule and TV listings
- FOX Sports: World Cup broadcast schedule
- FIFA: World Cup matches hub
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