While you slept
Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo in their Group K opener in Houston. Joao Neves headed Portugal in front on six minutes from a Pedro Neto cross, but in first-half stoppage time Yoane Wissa headed home the equaliser — DR Congo's first goal in World Cup history, and their first point at a finals since appearing as Zaire in 1974, 52 years ago. Cristiano Ronaldo, 41 and at his sixth World Cup, played the full match without scoring.
Japan today
Japan sit on one point after their 2-2 draw with the Netherlands. The concern remains Takefusa Kubo's left knee: a scan on the 17th confirmed an injury. He has stayed with the squad and is targeting an early return, but he missed training on the 17th, and multiple outlets report his availability for the Tunisia match on 21 June (JST) in Monterrey is now in serious doubt. No official diagnosis or recovery timeline has been announced.
Today into tomorrow morning (JST)
The last first-round fixtures close out the 48-team group stage today: after this morning's England vs Croatia in Group L — a rematch of the 2018 semi-final — Ghana vs Panama follows at 8am and Uzbekistan vs Colombia at 11am, completing every group's opening round. Then the second round begins overnight: Czechia vs South Africa at 1am (JST, the 19th), Switzerland vs Bosnia at 4am, and co-host Canada vs Qatar at 7am. Co-host Mexico face South Korea at 10am.
Related Links
Links for readers who want to check tournament format, fixtures, venues, and related details.
