FIFA World Cup 2026: Heavyweights Portugal, England, Croatia take centre stage, eye big results
Mumbai, June 23
Matchday action at the FIFA World Cup continues with three intriguing fixtures featuring some of the tournament's biggest names and title contenders on Tuesday. Portugal face Uzbekistan looking to bounce back strongly, England take on Ghana in a clash between European quality and African resilience, while Croatia meet Panama as Luka Modric's side continue their quest for another deep World Cup run.
Portugal entered their encounter under pressure but remained one of the most talented squads in the competition. With Cristiano Ronaldo leading a team packed with world-class experience and technical quality, the Portuguese will be determined to return to winning ways after a 1-1 draw against DR Congo.
Speaking ahead of the match, former India international and an expert on ZEE5 Robin Singh backed Portugal to respond strongly.
"I think Portugal will bounce back. Any team with a leader like Ronaldo has the ability to bounce back. They have players like Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Neves and an experienced manager as well. When there is a bit of unsettling, the leaders have to show up, and this Portugal side is full of leaders," said Robin as per a press release.
-England vs Ghana
England, meanwhile, face a spirited Ghana side but possesses one of the deepest and most balanced squads in the tournament. From Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice in midfield to Harry Kane's leadership up front, the Three Lions have the quality to challenge any opponent. England had started their tournament with a 4-2 win over Croatia.
Former India goalkeeper and an expert on ZEE5, Aditi Chauhan, highlighted England's strength across the pitch.
"What stands out about this England side is the quality they possess in every department. They have match-winners across the pitch, incredible depth on the bench and players who are performing at the highest level for some of the biggest clubs in the world. When a team has that much quality and competition for places, it naturally becomes one of the strongest contenders in the tournament."
-Croatia vs Panama
The day's action concludes with Croatia taking on Panama. Led by veteran midfielder Luka Modric, Croatia's experience and tournament pedigree will make them favourites, but Panama have already shown they can be difficult opponents and will look to frustrate one of the competition's most consistent performers.
With knockout qualification scenarios beginning to take shape, every point becomes increasingly valuable as teams seek to build momentum heading into the latter stages of the tournament.
Fixtures:
- June 23rd Portugal vs Uzbekistan - 10:30 pm
- June 24th England vs Ghana - 1:30 am
- June 24th, Croatia vs Panama - 4:30 am
- June 24th, Columbia vs DR Congo - 7:30 am
Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE and exclusively on ZEE5 in Hindi, English, Malayalam, and Bangla.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Aditi Chauhan's analysis of England is really good. She's absolutely right about their depth - when you have someone like Jude Bellingham who's been tearing it up at Real Madrid, and then Harry Kane as captain, it's scary. But football is not played on paper, Ghana could surprise them. Would love to see more Indian experts on ZEE5, this is a great start!
This World Cup is shaping up nicely. Portugal really need to step up after that draw - they have too much quality to be dropping points early. Croatia vs Panama should be interesting too, Modric is ageless! Good to see coverage of all matches in Indian languages, makes the sport more accessible to everyone.
As someone who's been following football since the 2018 World Cup, it's so exciting to see Indian experts getting involved in the commentary and analysis. Robin Singh and Aditi Chauhan are doing a great job representing Indian football knowledge. The timings are a bit tough - 1:30 am for England match? Hope my boss understands if I'm sleepy tomorrow! 😄⚽
Fair analysis overall but I think the article underplays Panama's chances a bit. They've been improving steadily and Croatia, while experienced, looked a bit tired in their last game. Also glad to see ZEE5 providing coverage in multiple Indian languages - that's how you grow the sport! Just wish the matches were at more viewer-friendly times.
Portugal vs Uzbekistan should be a walkover for Portugal, but we all know how football can surprise us. England vs Ghana
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