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World Cup Wrap: 3 things to know from Day 13

AI News June 24, 2026 08:03 AM
World Cup Wrap: 3 things to know from Day 13

Cristiano Ronaldo finally announced himself at World Cup 2026 with two goals in Portugal's 5-0 hammering of Uzbekistan.

Thomas Tuchel's England slumped to a 0-0 draw against Ghana in a match which started with widespread boos for Thomas Partey.

In the other game in Group L, Luka Modric collected his 200th cap for Croatia, playing an instrumental role in their 1-0 win over Panama which keeps them in the running for a place in the round of 32.

Here's what to know so far from Day 13.

Cristiano Ronaldo did his talking on the pitch – scoring two goals as Portugal jump-started their World Cup campaign with a 5-0 humbling of Uzbekistan in Group K.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez stuck with Ronaldo in his starting line-up – a move heavily criticised during the 1-1 draw against DR Congo – and his faith was repaid after just six minutes.

Joao Cancelo's ball found Ronaldo who swivelled and fired in at the near post. He's now the first player to score in six World Cups.

Ronaldo then showed he is a team player when he faked to hit a free-kick, instead allowing Nuno Mendes (17') to strike a second for Portugal from the edge of the box.

Ronaldo got his second when he raced on to a perfectly weighted ball by Bruno Fernandes for a clinical finish in the 39th minute.

Uzbekistan conceded an own goal in the 60th minute and Rafael Leao (87') was also on target to cap a five-star Portugal win.

After the final whistle, Ronaldo shouted into a TV camera: "I'm back, I'm back".

Ronaldo is now Portugal's all-time top scorer at the World Cup, moving past the great Eusebio.

"I'm very happy but, for me, the most important thing is our work and the confidence we showed," Ronaldo said. "Obviously personal records are always nice but my goal is always to help the team achieve its objectives."

England and Ghana played out a forgettable 0-0 draw in Group L.

Thomas Tuchel's side looked limp in attack and struggled to break down the Black Stars despite the match coming less than a week after the Three Lions roared to a thrilling 4-2 victory against Croatia.

The match began with boos for Thomas Partey. Ghana's midfield star is set to stand trial next year for rape and sexual assault – he denies the charges.

Ghana have been one of the better defensive teams at World Cup 2026 and the first half finished without a single shot on target from both teams.

Substitute Nico O'Reilly saw a header hit the bar before Harry Kane skied England's best chance for a winning goal with four minutes remaining.

"Yeah, it's one of those games, a difficult team to break down and obviously we had loads of possession of the ball," Kane told the BBC. "Probably the last 15 minutes of both halves we were at our best and had some chances, I had a good chance and hit the bar with Nico [O'Reilly] as well."

Kane added: "Look, we wanted the win but we take the point and we're still in a great position in the group."

An additional talking point from the drab draw was Djed Spence appearing to snub Partey in the pre-match handshakes.

In Group L's other match, Croatia stayed alive in the tournament with Ante Budimir's 54th minute goal enough for a narrow 1-0 win against Panama at BMO Field.

The match was notable for Luka Modric's 200th cap for Croatia – he's only the fourth player in history to reach the milestone.

Trump to present World Cup trophy at final, FIFA confirms

US President Donald Trump will present the World Cup trophy to the tournament's winners at the final on 19 July, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed.

Infantino and Trump and will jointly hand the trophy to the captain of the winning team.

"We will be together with the president [Trump] enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course, together," Infantino told Fox & Friends. "We are together all the time."

Trump had previously co-presented FIFA's Club World Cup trophy with Infantino last year. But the presentation was ridiculed after the US President failed to leave the stage and took part in Chelsea's trophy celebrations, leaving players bemused.

Norway booked their place in the knockout stages of World Cup 2026 – and marked the achievement with an iconic performance of their viral Viking Row celebration.

You can read our World Cup Wrap from Day 12, here.