Ronaldo and Haaland shine as Turkey crash out
Ronaldo answers with a brace as Portugal thrash Uzbekistan
Two goals, and a clear message. Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in Portugal's 5–0 demolition of Uzbekistan on Tuesday, opening his World Cup account in emphatic fashion (3) (8). When journalists asked him about Lionel Messi afterward, he was visibly irritated. He did not want to hear it (3).
Portugal are through to the round of 32 and Ronaldo looks sharp. The comparison with Messi will not go away, but he answered on the pitch.
Norway into the knockout round after Haaland double
Erling Haaland dragged Norway through. His brace secured a 3–2 win over Senegal and a spot in the round of 32 (4) (5). Norway have climbed nine positions in the FIFA ranking since the tournament began (4). Haaland is delivering when it matters.
Turkey eliminated after Paraguay loss
Two matches, zero points, tournament over. Turkey lost 1–0 to Paraguay and are out of the World Cup (4). Vincenzo Montella's side have dropped ten places in the FIFA ranking since the tournament started, the biggest slide of any team so far (4).
England stutter to goalless draw with Ghana
England 0–0 Ghana in Group L, and the real story happened before kickoff. Djed Spence refused Thomas Partey's handshake during the pre-match ritual (7) (8). No goals, no breakthrough for Gareth Southgate's side, but a moment that will linger.
Croatia edge past Panama
A single goal was enough. Croatia beat Panama 1–0 to keep their campaign on track (8). No drama, just a controlled performance and three points.
Colombia grind out a win
Colombia got the job done. A goal from their right-back was enough for a hard-fought victory (9). Not pretty, but it does not need to be at this stage.
Doku back with Belgium as a father
Jeremy Doku landed in Seattle on Tuesday evening and rejoined the Belgium squad. He is now a father. Training begins Wednesday, and his availability is a boost for a Belgian side that needs creativity in the final third (1).
Around the World Cup
Norway · Senegal · France · Iraq · Cape Verde · Spain · Algeria · Iran · Scotland · Colombia
Sources
- 1. telegraaf.nl — Veelbesproken Jeremy Doku keert als vader terug bij België op WK 2026
- 3. t-online.de — WM-Sieg gegen Usbekistan: Ronaldo genervt bei Fragen zu Messi
- 4. ge.globo.com — Ranking da Fifa após a 2ª rodada da Copa do Mundo 2026: Noruega e Paraguai sobem; Turquia despenca
- 5. readmancity.com — Erling Haaland Brace Sends Norway Through As Manchester City Watch On
- 7. nieuwsblad.be — Opmerkelijk moment: waarom Engeland-speler de hand van verguisde Ghanees Thomas Partey weigerde
- 8. rmcsport.bfmtv.com — Coupe du monde : Ronaldo ouvre son compteur, l'Angleterre tenue en échec, les résultats et classements
- 9. marca.com — Hay que hablar de Colombia