Ronaldo lights up World Cup stage, Canada stand on the brink of history | OneFootball

Another day at the 2026 FIFA World Cup brought no shortage of drama and defining moments as standout performances and unexpected twists shaped the latest round of action.

Several intriguing storylines emerged across the latest batch of World Cup matches as the race for the knockout rounds reaches a crucial phase.

Without further ado, here are the biggest talking points from another action-packed day in North America.

Ronaldo back with a bang

Cristiano Ronaldo came under heavy scrutiny after a lacklustre performance in Portugal’s 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their opening Group K outing.

However, the 41-year-old was quick to remind everyone exactly who he is.

Ronaldo stole the show in Portugal’s emphatic 5-0 victory over debutants Uzbekistan, netting a first-half double to become the first-ever player to score at six different World Cups.

He opened the scoring with a thumping finish to draw level with Eusebio as Portugal’s all-time leading scorer at a World Cup, and he needed just over half an hour to break the tie.

In addition to halting his 10-game drought at major tournaments for Portugal, he became the oldest player to score multiple goals in a single World Cup match and the first to reach 10 goals across both the European Championship and the World Cup.

Ronaldo once again proved that writing him off is a dangerous game, delivering a timely reminder that he still has the ability to shape his nation’s fortunes on the biggest stage.

Maybe he’ll lose the Golden Boot race to his arch-nemesis, Lionel Messi, but if this performance was anything to go by, Ronaldo still has plenty left in the tank.

England denied after dream start

Expectations were high after England thrashed back-to-back World Cup finalists Croatia 4-2 at the beginning of their Group L, only for Ghana to dampen the feel-good factor.

Despite being heavily fancied to take all three points in their maiden World Cup clash against the Black Stars, they had to settle for a stomach-wrenching 0-0 draw at Gillette Stadium.

They accumulated 19 shots on goal, but a lack of composure and creativity in the final third ultimately cost them, allowing Ghana to escape with a point despite spending long spells pinned back in their own half.

While a place in the round of 32 should be in the bag, England will know that displays of this nature are unlikely to carry them deep into the tournament, especially against opponents capable of punishing their wastefulness in front of goal.

An encounter against rock-bottom Panama could serve to rekindle the Three Lions’ spirits and restore confidence within the squad ahead of the knockout stage, where there will be far less margin for error.

Anything other than a win against the Canal Men, who suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Croatia last night, could seriously complicate England’s hopes of finishing at the top of the group.

Canada one step away from historic success

World Cup co-hosts Canada recovered from a disappointing 1-1 draw against Bosnia & Herzegovina in their curtain-raising Group B fixture with a stunning 6-0 triumph over Qatar.

Jonathan David ran the show, netting a hat-trick to inspire his nation to their first-ever World Cup win, and he will be keen to deliver again when the Canucks lock horns with Switzerland tonight.

Avoiding defeat in Vancouver would seal the deal, yet it could be easier said than done, even though Canada won the pair’s only previous showdown, dating back to May 2002.

Canada will take encouragement from registering their first World Cup win and also their first clean sheet, knowing a point at BC Place would guarantee progress to the knockout stage for the first time.

Further confidence comes from the fact that they are currently unbeaten in ten consecutive matches, but seasoned campaigners, Switzerland, are unlikely to be overawed by the occasion.

A 5-1 demolition of Bosnia & Herzegovina solidified the Nati’s outstanding group-stage record at major tournaments, as they’ve now lost just two of their last 18 such matches, highlighting the size of the task awaiting Canada here.

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History beckons for Scotland as they are potentially a point away from reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time ever, despite a disheartening 1-0 loss to Morocco last time out.

Steve Clarke’s side failed to build upon a 1-0 win over Haiti, finishing the game without a single shot on target, and will be desperate to bounce back against record-time world champions Brazil.

That task feels nothing short of Herculean, considering the Tartan Army have lost three of the four previous World Cup meetings between the sides.

That’s not to mention they’ve won none of their last ten matches against the Selecao in all competitions.

On that basis, Scotland will need someone to step up, and this could be a perfect moment for Scott McTominay to shine after scoring just one goal in eight previous appearances at major tournaments.

Brazil will take the field in a buoyant mood after a 3-0 rout of Haiti, although it’s worth noting that they lost star winger Raphinha to injury in the process.