Impressive England, blunt Portugal and the tale of African flag bearers

Impressive England, blunt Portugal and the tale of African flag bearers - FIFA World Cup 2026

Yoan Wissa celebrates after his strong header leveled matters against Portugal in their World Cup opener on Wednesday. The game ended 1-1. (Photo credit: ESPN)

As the second round of the group phase kicks off on Thursday across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, we take a look at some interesting results, developments, and possible outcomes of some games in the second round.

It didn't quite happen for Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal in their World Cup opener against DR Congo. 

The African side maintained their composure throughout the game, resulting in a 1-1 draw against the 2016 European champions. 

The stalemate is one part of the story; Portugal's tepid performance is another.

There will always be questions about the position of Roberto Martinez. 

The former Belgium manager doesn't appear to know what to do most times, and with the game swinging away from Portugal, he didn't offer anything meaningful from the dugout.

There will always be questions directed at Cristiano Ronaldo, too. Most of the top-rated players at the tournament turned up big time, but Ronaldo did not. 

Lionel Messi scored a hat trick; Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane scored twice each. 

Is Ronaldo a problem for Portugal?

England's win over Croatia might flatter a lot of people, but Croatia didn't stay in the game for as long as required to earn anything significant. 

What one can take away from the game is that the squad quality available to Thomas Tuchel can win the World Cup.

Tuchel's defensive picks shocked many, with Marc Guehi left on the bench for Ezri Konsa and John Stones. 

However, the attacking trio of Marcus Rashford, Morgan Rodgers, and Bukayo Saka proved that England can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the competition in depth.

It's too early to pick favorites, but on the balance of the first round of group stage games' results, England has a chance. 

Argentina, Germany, and Colombia all recorded strong results, but England can be up there if they commit to it.

There should be thoughts for the African contingents, too. 

Apart from Tunisia, which underperformed badly against Sweden, many of the African representatives at the competition have been impressive, with two of them picking strong wins.

Ghana beat Panama with a late goal early on Thursday, while the Ivory Coast found a late winner over Ecuador, too. 

The two teams are now in a good place to advance to the newly introduced round of 32, as the eight best-placed third-place finishers will get their tickets to the round.

Algeria didn't offer anything of note against Argentina, with Lionel Messi running riot. 

Tunisia was embarrassing against Sweden, and South Africa imploded badly against Mexico on the opening day. Senegal's 3-1 loss to France was due to the Teranga Lions not taking their earlier chances.

Cape Verde remains the biggest surprise after holding giant Spain to a goalless draw. 

The confidence gained in that game could inspire greatness for the tiny African nation. 

Egypt held Belgium to a 1-1 draw with an impressive performance. 

DR Congo stopped Portugal in a 1-1 draw while Morocco stood firm against record holders Brazil.

Many of the African flag bearers are having a great tournament; it's only early days, but we've seen enough to remain positive. 

The second round of group phase engagement will be underway later on Thursday. Will anything happen differently?