SouthernWorldwide.com – The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to conclude its opening day with a thrilling lineup of four matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico on Wednesday.
Football fans can look forward to England’s tournament debut against their long-standing rivals, Croatia, in Dallas. Meanwhile, Portugal’s legendary Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to grace the World Cup stage for potentially the last time as he leads his team against DR Congo in Houston.
The day’s action will be rounded off with a clash between Colombia and Uzbekistan in Mexico City, promising a full night of captivating football.
All these highly anticipated matches will be broadcast live on FOX or FS1. For those who prefer streaming, every game will be available live and on demand on FOX One.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to today’s World Cup schedule, including game times, television channels, and streaming options.
Player to Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo
One of the all-time greats of the sport is poised to begin what could be his final World Cup appearance. At the age of 41 and with an incredible 228 caps for Portugal, Ronaldo is far from just a nostalgic presence in this tournament.
He continues to be a remarkably effective striker, showcasing terrific form for Portugal since Martinez took the helm in 2023. In this crucial opening match, expect Ronaldo to play with immense intensity and a sense of urgency, acutely aware that his time on the World Cup stage is drawing to a close.
Player to Watch: Harry Kane
While many stars will be on display, Harry Kane stands out as an elite forward. At 32 years old, he is arguably in the best physical condition and form of his career.
England harbors strong ambitions for a deep run and a genuine contention for this World Cup. These aspirations are intrinsically linked to Kane’s performance, as there is a significant drop-off in readily available scoring options after him.
Momentum is paramount for any striker, and scoring against Croatia will not only be vital for securing a victory in this match but also for establishing England’s credentials as serious contenders throughout the summer.
Player to Watch: Antoine Semenyo
Semenyo has emerged as a revelation in the Premier League this season. The London-born winger was a standout performer for Bournemouth, netting 10 goals in just 20 appearances before his January move to Manchester City.
England would undoubtedly have welcomed Semenyo’s inclusion in their squad for this tournament. However, he made his international debut for Ghana in 2022.
He has firmly established himself as one of the premier wingers globally this season and is expected to be the driving force behind any success Ghana achieves this summer.
Player to Watch: Luis Díaz
The Bayern Munich winger is undoubtedly the most talented player on either roster and ranks among the world’s elite in his position. He is a complete winger, possessing exceptional speed, dazzling dribbling skills, and strong defensive capabilities.
Díaz is coming off a highly successful 2025-26 season, where he contributed 26 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions for the Bundesliga champions.
He remains absolutely critical to Colombia’s ambitions of advancing deep into the knockout stages of the tournament.
All World Cup matches will be broadcast in English on FOX and FS1 in the United States. Furthermore, every game will be available for live and on-demand streaming on FOX One.
