BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Co-hosts Mexico will put their flawless FIFA World Cup record against Asian opposition on the line when they take on the Republic in a crucial Group A encounter on Thursday.

El Tri head into the match with history firmly on their side, having won all five of their previous World Cup meetings against teams from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

Among those victories are two memorable successes over the Republic, defeating the Taegeuk Warriors 3-1 at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France before securing a 2-1 triumph in Russia two decades later.

Mexico have also enjoyed a strong start to the 2026 tournament, boosting hopes among home supporters that the North American co-hosts can make a deep run in the competition.

However, the Republic arrive with confidence of their own after opening their campaign with an impressive 2-1 victory over Czechia. The East Asians know that another positive result could put them in a strong position to challenge for a place in the knockout rounds.

For Mexico, victory would not only preserve their perfect World Cup record against AFC opposition but also strengthen their grip on Group A ahead of a potentially decisive final-round clash with Czechia.

The match is expected to draw a passionate crowd as Mexican fans look to inspire their team to another important result on home soil.

While history favours Mexico, the Republic will be determined to prove that past meetings count for little in a tournament where surprises have already become a feature of the expanded 48-team World Cup.

With valuable points and potential qualification implications at stake, both sides are expected to approach the contest with attacking intent in what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the day.

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Harry Kane scored twice to equal Gary Lineker’s England World Cup goalscoring record as the Three Lions overcame a stubborn Croatia side 4-2 in a pulsating Group L encounter at the FIFA World Cup on Wednesday.

In a match that rekindled memories of Croatia’s extra-time victory over England in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, the Europeans served up one of the tournament’s most entertaining contests so far, with Croatia twice fighting back before England’s superior firepower proved decisive.

Kane, arriving at the tournament after another prolific season with Bayern Munich, led the way with a brace, while Jude Bellingham and substitute Marcus Rashford struck in the second half to secure all three points for Gareth Southgate’s side.

England took the lead in the 12th minute after Noni Madueke was brought down in the penalty area by Croatia captain Luka Modric. Although goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic saved Kane’s initial effort, the spot-kick was ordered to be retaken after the Croatian keeper was adjudged to have moved off his line early.

Kane made no mistake at the second attempt, sending Livakovic the wrong way and driving his effort into the right corner.

Croatia, however, refused to be overawed. Martin Baturina restored parity in the 36th minute with a superb strike that beat Jordan Pickford despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to the ball. The goal ended England’s remarkable run of 10 consecutive clean sheets in competitive matches.

England regained the lead six minutes later when Kane struck again to make it 2-1 and move level with Gary Lineker’s long-standing England World Cup record of 10 goals.

Croatia responded once more after the interval to ensure the contest remained finely balanced, but Bellingham produced the defining moment of the match in the 47th minute.

The Real Madrid midfielder surged down the right flank before firing a low shot across goal and in off the post, celebrating with his trademark outstretched arms as England moved ahead for a third time.

“It’s my responsibility to the team and to my country to give everything I have when I cross the line and wear that badge on the front, wear that number 10 on the back,” Bellingham said after the victory.

Croatia continued to search for another equaliser, but England delivered the decisive blow five minutes from time. Bukayo Saka picked out fellow substitute Rashford, who calmly slotted past Livakovic to seal the result and cap an impressive display from the Three Lions.

The victory gives England a perfect start to their World Cup campaign and places them in a strong position in Group L, while Croatia are left with work to do in their remaining matches despite producing an encouraging attacking performance.

For Kane, the night carried additional significance as he drew level with Lineker as England’s leading scorer in World Cup history, moving within touching distance of another major milestone in an already distinguished international career.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Democratic Republic of Congo marked their long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup with a memorable 1-1 draw against Portugal on Wednesday, frustrating Cristiano Ronaldo and one of the tournament favourites in a spirited Group K encounter.

The goal scored by Congo is their first in World Cup history, as they lost their earlier three matches in Germany 1974. It is also the first time they have got a point in the World Cup.

Playing at the World Cup for the first time in 52 years, the Congolese showed resilience and determination to recover from an early setback and claim a valuable point against the 2016 European champions.

The African side appeared headed for a difficult afternoon when Portugal struck after only six minutes. Pedro Neto delivered a cross from the left, and Joao Neves rose to head home from close range, giving Portugal the perfect start.

With 41-year-old Ronaldo leading the attack in his record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance, Portugal dominated possession for much of the first half. However, despite controlling the ball, the Europeans struggled to break down a disciplined Congolese defence.

As the match progressed, DR Congo grew in confidence and began to threaten on the counterattack. Their persistence paid off deep into first-half stoppage time when Yoane Wissa etched his name into the history books.

The Brentford forward became the first Congolese player to score at a FIFA World Cup, heading home an inviting cross from Arthur Masuaku to send the African supporters into celebration.

The goal not only levelled the scores but also marked a historic milestone for a nation making its first World Cup appearance since the 1974 tournament in Germany, when the country competed as Zaire.

Portugal emerged after the break with greater urgency, but DR Congo continued to match them stride for stride. The African side came within inches of pulling off a famous victory when veteran striker Cedric Bakambu struck the post in the second half.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, endured a frustrating outing. The Portuguese captain, who also became the oldest player ever to start a World Cup match, found little space against the well-organised Congolese backline and squandered two opportunities from close range.

Portugal’s midfield enjoyed long spells of possession, but the African side’s defensive discipline ensured that Joao Neves’ early goal remained Portugal’s only effort on target throughout the match.

The result will be celebrated as one of the finest moments in Congolese football history and will provide a significant boost to African hopes at the expanded 48-team tournament.

For DR Congo, the draw represents far more than a single point. It is a statement that African teams can compete with the world’s elite and a reward for a generation of players determined to restore the country’s place on football’s biggest stage.

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