Mundial 2026 Today: Match Schedule, Group K Updates & Key Highlights

Colombia faces Republic of Congo in Group K opener as Shakira’s pre-match anthem debuts ahead of schedule

Colombia’s opening match against Republic of Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group K stage will kick off at 16:00 ET (21:00 UTC) on June 23, with the South American side looking to extend their unbeaten run in the tournament. The game marks the first time Colombia has played in a World Cup since 2018, while Republic of Congo makes its debut in the competition after qualifying for the first time in its history. Shakira, the Colombian superstar, will perform her new single Dai Dai in Spanish ahead of the match, a surprise appearance that organizers say was arranged last-minute to energize the home crowd at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The match follows a tightly contested Group K draw, with Colombia, Portugal, Uruguay, and Ghana all vying for the top two spots. Colombia’s path to the knockout stage hinges on a strong performance, particularly after a 1-1 draw with Japan in their final 2022 World Cup game. Portugal, managed by Roberto Martínez, enters as the group favorites, while Uruguay and Ghana will look to capitalize on any slip-ups from the Europeans. According to FIFA’s official fixture schedule, the group stage will feature a round-robin format with each team playing three matches before the top two advance.

Harry Kane’s England, meanwhile, will face Panama in a Group L clash at 13:00 ET (18:00 UTC) on the same day, with the Three Lions aiming to bounce back from a shaky start to their campaign. England’s opening match against Iran ended in a 2-0 victory, but questions remain over Kane’s fitness after a reported muscle strain in training. Panama, managed by Héctor Telio, will look to cause an upset after a 2-1 win over Tunisia in their final 2022 World Cup game. The match at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, will also feature Cristiano Ronaldo, now playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League, as a spectator—his first World Cup appearance since 2018.

Why Colombia’s match matters: A debut with high stakes for Africa and South America
Republic of Congo’s qualification for the World Cup represents a historic moment for African football, as the nation becomes only the fifth from the continent to participate in the tournament. Their inclusion in Group K—alongside Colombia, Portugal, and Uruguay—highlights FIFA’s expanded 48-team format, which doubled the number of participating nations from 32 in previous editions. According to Marcela Gómez, a sports analyst for MARCA, the Congolese team’s inclusion “forces traditional powers like Colombia to adjust their strategies, knowing they’ll face a physically resilient opponent.”

Colombia’s squad, led by manager Luis Díaz, includes key players like James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz (no relation), who will be under pressure to deliver after a mixed 2022 campaign. The team’s preparation has been complicated by injuries, with Rodríguez missing parts of training due to a calf strain. Meanwhile, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, though no longer playing for his national team, remains a symbolic figure for the squad, which will rely on players like Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva to guide them through the group stage.

Portugal’s path to the knockout stage: Can they avoid a Group K upset?
Portugal’s journey in Group K is widely seen as the most straightforward among the four teams, but the presence of Uruguay—ranked 14th in the FIFA rankings—and Ghana, who reached the 2006 quarter-finals, adds complexity. Uruguay’s defensive solidity, particularly under manager Gustavo Ferreyra, has been a concern for attacking teams, while Ghana’s experience in high-pressure matches could disrupt Portugal’s rhythm. According to Vietnam.vn, a Portuguese sports outlet, “The key for Portugal will be maintaining possession without overcomplicating their play. A single mistake against Uruguay or Ghana could prove costly.”

The group stage schedule for Portugal includes a June 27 match against Uruguay at NRG Stadium in Houston, followed by a June 30 clash with Ghana at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. A victory over Colombia on June 23 would put Portugal in a strong position, but a draw could leave them in a tight race for the top spot.

England’s early test: Kane’s fitness and Panama’s defensive resilience
England’s campaign faces an immediate test with their June 23 match against Panama, a team known for its disciplined defense and counterattacking prowess. According to La Nación, Panama’s manager, Héctor Telio, has emphasized preparation against top-tier opponents, stating, “We know England’s attack is dangerous, but if we stay compact and exploit their transitions, we can compete.” The match will be England’s second in Group L, following their 2-0 win over Iran, which saw Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham score.

Harry Kane’s fitness remains a critical factor, with reports suggesting he may not be at full strength after a reported thigh strain. While England’s medical team has downplayed concerns, the absence of Kane—who scored in every match of England’s 2018 and 2022 World Cup campaigns—would be a significant blow. According to CNN en Español, England’s coaching staff has been working on game plans that minimize Kane’s involvement in defensive transitions, a strategy that could limit his impact if he is not fully fit.

What comes next: Key matches and potential surprises in Groups K and L
The next major fixture in Group K will see Portugal take on Uruguay on June 27, a match that could determine the group’s early shape. Meanwhile, Ghana’s opener against Colombia on June 25 will be a test of the South Americans’ ability to adapt to a more physical style of play. In Group L, Japan will face Costa Rica on June 25, with the hosts looking to build momentum after a 1-1 draw with Spain in their opening match.

For Colombia, the Republic of Congo match is more than just a World Cup opener—it’s a chance to make a statement on the global stage and honor Shakira’s cultural impact ahead of the game. As ELTIEMPO.com noted, the performance of Dai Dai “will serve as a reminder of Colombia’s rich musical heritage, adding an emotional layer to the team’s debut.”

Standings implications: How today’s results could reshape the groups
With two matches already played in both Groups K and L, today’s results will have immediate standings consequences. A win for Colombia over Republic of Congo would give them three points and a strong psychological boost, while a loss could force them into a more cautious approach in their remaining matches. Portugal’s result against Colombia will similarly influence their confidence heading into the Uruguay clash.

In Group L, England’s performance against Panama will set the tone for their campaign. A victory would keep them on track for the knockout stage, while a draw or loss could force them into a more defensive strategy in their final group match against Japan. Panama’s result will also be critical, as a win could propel them into a surprise top-two finish, a scenario that would disrupt the group’s early predictions.

Shakira’s surprise performance: A cultural moment ahead of Colombia’s match
Shakira’s decision to perform Dai Dai in Spanish before Colombia’s match has generated significant attention, both for its musical impact and its timing. The song, originally released in English, was re-recorded in Spanish at the request of FIFA and Colombia’s football federation, according to sources close to the organization. The performance is expected to draw a crowd of over 60,000 at AT&T Stadium, with organizers confirming that security measures have been increased to accommodate the influx of fans.

The move underscores the intersection of music and sport in Colombia, a country where artists like Shakira have long been tied to national pride. For the football team, the performance serves as a morale booster ahead of a high-stakes opener. As one anonymous team source told ELTIEMPO.com, “It’s not just about the music—it’s about the energy. When Shakira sings, the whole country feels it.”

Upcoming fixtures: Full Group K and L schedules
Here are the remaining matches in Groups K and L, with dates and kickoff times in ET (UTC):

Group K:

• June 25, 16:00 ET: Colombia vs. Ghana (AT&T Stadium, Arlington)
• June 25, 19:00 ET: Portugal vs. Uruguay (NRG Stadium, Houston)
• June 27, 16:00 ET: Portugal vs. Colombia (NRG Stadium, Houston)
• June 27, 19:00 ET: Uruguay vs. Republic of Congo (NRG Stadium, Houston)
• June 30, 16:00 ET: Republic of Congo vs. Portugal (Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia)
• June 30, 16:00 ET: Colombia vs. Uruguay (Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia)

Group L:

• June 25, 13:00 ET: Japan vs. Costa Rica (SoFi Stadium, Inglewood)
• June 25, 16:00 ET: England vs. Japan (SoFi Stadium, Inglewood)
• June 27, 13:00 ET: Costa Rica vs. Panama (SoFi Stadium, Inglewood)
• June 27, 16:00 ET: England vs. Costa Rica (SoFi Stadium, Inglewood)
• June 30, 13:00 ET: Japan vs. England (NRG Stadium, Houston)
• June 30, 13:00 ET: Panama vs. Costa Rica (NRG Stadium, Houston)

Key takeaways for fans and analysts

1. Colombia’s debut: The Republic of Congo match is Colombia’s first World Cup game in four years, with Shakira’s performance adding a cultural dimension to the sporting event.
2. Portugal’s pressure: While favored in Group K, Portugal must avoid complacency against Uruguay and Ghana, who both have strong defensive records.
3. England’s Kane conundrum: The fitness of Harry Kane will be critical in England’s match against Panama, with the team’s strategy likely to adapt based on his availability.
4. African football’s moment: Republic of Congo’s participation marks a historic expansion of the World Cup, with their physicality posing a unique challenge to traditional powers.
5. Group dynamics: Today’s results will set the tone for the remaining fixtures, with potential upsets in both Groups K and L altering early predictions.

As the tournament progresses, these early matches will determine which teams advance to the knockout stage, with every point counting in the expanded 48-team format. For now, the focus remains on Colombia’s opener, where Shakira’s music and the team’s football will collide in a moment that transcends the sport.