BY KUNLE SOLAJA, VANCOUVER.

Cristiano Ronaldo has urged Portugal to remain focused on their FIFA World Cup campaign after they were held to a surprise 1-1 draw by the Democratic Republic of Congo in their Group K opener on Wednesday.

The Portugal captain took to his X account shortly after the match to rally his teammates and supporters following a frustrating start to the tournament.

“It wasn’t the start we wanted, but this is far from over. Head up and focus on the next game,” Ronaldo posted.

Portugal entered the tournament among the favourites but were unable to secure victory against a determined Congolese side making its first World Cup appearance in 52 years.

Joao Neves gave Portugal an early lead after six minutes, heading home a cross from Pedro Neto to put the Europeans in control. However, DR Congo grew into the contest and were rewarded in first-half stoppage time when Yoane Wissa headed in Arthur Masuaku’s cross to score his country’s first-ever World Cup goal.

Despite dominating possession for long periods, Portugal struggled to break down the disciplined Congolese defence in the second half.

Ronaldo, appearing at a record-equalling sixth World Cup alongside Argentina captain Lionel Messi, endured a difficult afternoon. The 41-year-old, who became the oldest player to start a World Cup match, was closely marked throughout and missed two opportunities from close range.

The draw leaves Group K wide open, with Portugal now under pressure to secure a positive result in their next outing against Uzbekistan.

For DR Congo, meanwhile, the result was celebrated as a landmark achievement, earning a valuable point against one of Europe’s leading nations and marking a memorable return to football’s biggest stage.

While the result fell short of Portugal’s expectations, Ronaldo’s message reflected a determination within the squad to quickly move on and keep their World Cup ambitions firmly on track.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, VANCOUVER, CANADA

Switzerland will seek to continue their impressive record against fellow European opposition at the FIFA World Cup when they take on Bosnia and Herzegovina in a potentially decisive group-stage clash.

The Swiss have won four of their last six World Cup group matches against UEFA opponents, demonstrating an ability to rise to the occasion when facing familiar continental rivals on football’s biggest stage.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, however, arrive determined to make history as they prepare to face a European opponent for the first time in the FIFA World Cup competition.

The encounter pits Switzerland’s tournament experience against Bosnia’s ambition, with both sides aware that victory could provide a significant boost in the race for qualification.

Switzerland will rely on their traditional strengths of organisation, discipline and tactical efficiency, while Bosnia will hope to showcase the attacking flair that helped them earn a place at the expanded tournament.

With the group finely balanced, neither side can afford to drop points as the battle for a knockout-round place intensifies.

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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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