In a World Cup Group K opener that concluded on June 18 Beijing time, heavy favorites Portugal were held to a surprising 1-1 draw by African newcomers DR Congo, failing to secure a winning start. After the match, Portugal's coach Martinez responded to external doubts, stating that a draw in the first game is not a disaster—pointing out that Spain and Argentina also failed to win their opening matches when they eventually became champions.

In one of the World Cup Group K opening matches that ended on June 18 Beijing time, the strong favorite Portugal was unexpectedly held to a 1-1 draw by African newcomers DR Congo, failing to secure a winning start. After the game, 41-year-old Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo posted on social media, expressing disappointment with the result while also rallying the team, saying that everything is still far from over.

England head coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed he will not sing the national anthem "God Save the King" during the opening match of the 2026 World Cup. However, he left the door open to doing so if the "Three Lions" advance deep into the tournament.

On June 17 Beijing time, Argentine journalist Eduardo Feinmann discussed on Radio Mitre the reason behind Messi's tears during the World Cup match, linking it to the health condition of Messi's father. In the first round of Group J of the World Cup group stage, Argentina defeated Algeria was defeated 3-0 by Argentina, marking their first opening win in 12 years.

On the green pitch of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the 38-year-old Lionel Messi delivered a perfect hat-trick, once again proving to the world that his title as a "record machine" is no exaggeration. In Argentina's opening match against Algeria at the 2026 World Cup, Messi not only led his team to a 3-0 victory but also shattered multiple long-standing World Cup historical records in a single night.

On June 17th, Beijing time, FIFA officially announced the latest referee assignments for the second round of the group stage. The 47-year-old renowned Chinese referee, Ma Ning, has been confirmed as the main referee for the match between Ecuador and Curaçao, with Zhou Fei serving as assistant referee. This marks Ma Ning will officiate a World Cup match as the main referee for the first time, marking the first time in 24 years that a Chinese referee has appeared in a World Cup in this capacity.

On June 17, Beijing time, FIFA officially confirmed that 47-year-old Ma Ning, the "Golden Whistle" of the Chinese Super League, will serve as the main referee for the second round of the group stage match between Curacao and Ecuador at this World Cup. This marks Ma Ning's first time acting as the head referee in a World Cup. Additionally, Chinese referee Zhou Fei will serve as the assistant referee for this match.

After a draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opening match, the Canadian national team now stands at a crucial chance to change their history at the World Cup.

At 3:00 AM on June 18, the highly anticipated English team will make their World Cup to face Croatia in Group L. This is one of the most matches of the opening group stage of the 2026 World Cup.

On June 18 at 7:00 PM Beijing Time, a key first-round match in Group L of the World Cup kicks off. African powerhouse Ghana will face Panama at BMO Field in Toronto. With the other two teams in the group being European heavyweights England and Croatia, a draw or loss in this game effectively spells elimination for both Ghana and Panama.