The very last match of Round 1 of the group stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 7 Schedule brings another packed day, with four matches that mix European power, African energy, and South American quality. Portugal vs Congo DR headlines the day for star power, England vs Croatia has the feel of a heavyweight clash, Ghana vs Panama looks finely balanced, and Uzbekistan vs Colombia closes the day with plenty of intrigue.
This is the 1 stage of the Group stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026, where every point starts to matter. A strong start can completely change the mood inside a camp, while a slow start can leave a team under pressure far earlier than expected. Day 7 is exactly the kind of fixture list that can produce one or two surprises.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 7 Schedule – 17 June
Here is today’s World Cup 2026 Day 7 Match Schedule & Details
| Matchup | Group | Kickoff Time (Eastern Time) | Stadium & Location | TV Channel (US) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal vs DR Congo | Group K | 1:00 PM ET | Houston Stadium (Houston, US) | FOX / Telemundo |
| England vs Croatia | Group L | 4:00 PM ET | Dallas Stadium (Arlington, US) | FOX / Telemundo |
| Ghana vs Panama | Group L | 7:00 PM ET | Toronto Stadium (Toronto, Canada) | FOX |
| Uzbekistan vs Colombia | Group K | 10:00 PM ET | Mexico City Stadium (Mexico City, Mexico) | FOX |
Today’s Match News
Portugal vs DR Congo
Portugal come into the day as one of the biggest attractions on the schedule. They have the kind of squad that can hurt opponents in several different ways, with technical quality in midfield, pace out wide, and serious finishing ability up front.
Against Congo DR, the main expectation will be control, patience, and a fast tempo from the opening whistle.
England vs Croatia
England vs Croatia is the match many fans will immediately circle. England usually carry enough depth to stay dangerous in every phase of the game, while Croatia remain one of the smartest tournament teams in world football.
They know how to slow the game down, break rhythm, and stay in the contest until the final minutes. That makes this one feel like a proper test rather than a routine group match.
Ghana vs Panama
Ghana vs Panama has the kind of energy that can make it unpredictable. Ghana often bring pace, physical strength, and direct attacking moments, while Panama are the type of team that can make life difficult if they stay organized and defend together.
This could become a tight game decided by one big chance or one mistake.
Uzbekistan vs Colombia
Uzbekistan vs Colombia is another fascinating matchup. Uzbekistan have grown into a team that looks much more confident on the big stage, while Colombia come in with enough quality to control possession and create openings in the final third.
It is the kind of match where midfield discipline and finishing will matter more than flashy possession numbers.
World Cup 2026 Day 7 Predicted Starting XI
On Day 7 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 (Wednesday, June 17, 2026), the predicted starting XIs of tournament favorites Portugal and England are both set for their much-anticipated debuts. The final starting XI may change before kickoff, so we’ll update accordingly.
Portugal vs DR Congo Predicted Starting XI
- Portugal (4-3-3): Diogo Costa; João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, António Silva, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, João Neves, Bruno Fernandes; Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Leão.
- Congo DR (4-2-3-1): Lionel Mpasi-Nzau; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Dylan Batubinsika, Arthur Masuaku; Samuel Moutoussamy, Charles Pickel; Yoane Wissa, Meschack Elia, Theo Bongonda; Cédric Bakambu.
England vs Croatia Predicted Starting XI
- England (4-2-3-1): Jordan Pickford; Kyle Walker, John Stones, Marc Guéhi, Luke Shaw; Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham; Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer; Harry Kane.
- Croatia (4-3-3): Dominik Livaković; Joško Gvardiol, Duje Ćaleta-Car, Josip Šutalo, Josip Juranović; Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, Lovro Majer; Andrej Kramarić, Ante Budimir, Ivan Perišić.
Ghana vs Panama Predicted Starting XI
- Ghana (4-3-3): Lawrence Ati-Zigi; Alidu Seidu, Daniel Amartey, Mohammed Salisu, Gideon Mensah; Thomas Partey, Elisha Owusu, Abdul Samed; Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo.
- Panamá (4-2-3-1): Orlando Mosquera; Michael Murillo, Fidel Escobar, Andrés Andrade, Eric Davis; Aníbal Godoy, Adalberto Carrasquilla; Yoel Bárcenas, Édgar Bárcenas, Alberto Quintero; José Fajardo.
Uzbekistan vs Colombia Predicted Starting XI
- Uzbekistan (4-2-3-1): Utkir Yusupov; Khusanov, Rustam Ashurmatov, Odiljon Xamrobekov, Azizbek Turgunboev; Eldor Shomurodov, Otabek Shukurov; Abbosbek Fayzullayev, Jaloliddin Masharipov, Dostonbek Tursunov; Ruslanbek Jiyanov.
- Colombia (4-3-3): David Ospina; Daniel Muñoz, Dávinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, Johan Mojica; Jefferson Lerma, Richard Ríos, James Rodríguez; Luis Díaz, Jhon Arias, Rafael Santos Borré.
Who Will Win Today?
Portugal vs Congo DR
Portugal look like the stronger side in almost every area, and they should have enough quality to control the match.
- Prediction: Portugal wins (3-1)
England vs Croatia
This feels close, but England have the deeper squad and more game-breaking options in attack.
- Prediction: England win (2-1)
Ghana vs Panama
Ghana have the better individual quality and should be able to edge a physical, competitive match.
- Prediction: Ghana win (1-0)
Uzbekistan vs Colombia
Colombia have the bigger attacking names and more tournament experience.
- Prediction: Colombia win (2-0)
FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 7 Winner Picks
- ✅ Portugal to beat Congo DR
- ✅ England to beat Croatia
- ✅ Ghana to beat Panama
- ✅ Uzbekistan to beat Colombia
FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 7 Schedule has the feel of a proper tournament day, with one marquee European clash, one strong African matchup, and two games that could easily go either way if the favorites are not sharp.
Portugal and England will be expected to deliver, but Ghana, Panama, Uzbekistan and Colombia all have enough quality to make this a lively day from start to finish.
