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England secures strong start in World Cup 2026 qualifiers, Portugal held to draw by DR Congo
via Le Matin2 min read
England began their World Cup 2026 campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia in Group L at the Dallas stadium. Captain Harry Kane scored an early penalty in the 12th minute and added another goal in the 42nd minute. Croatia responded with goals from Martin Baturina in the 36th minute and Petar Musa in the 45th+5 minute, leveling the score at halftime. Jude Bellingham restored England's lead in the 47th minute, and Marcus Rashford sealed the win with a fourth goal in the 85th minute. This win gives Gareth Southgate's team a strong position in Group L, which also includes Ghana and Panama. In Group K, Portugal drew 1-1 with the Democratic Republic of Congo. João Neves opened the scoring for Portugal in the 6th minute, but Yoane Wissa equalized for DR Congo in the 45th+5 minute. Both teams earned one point in Group K, which also features Colombia and Uzbekistan.
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