Football

FIFA World Cup 2026: France Crush Senegal 3-1 on Day 6; England vs Croatia Headlines Day 7

Day 6 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered its share of drama as France dismantled Senegal 3-1 in a commanding Group I

Ankit Thakur 36 minutes ago · 5 min read

Day 6 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered its share of drama as France dismantled Senegal 3-1 in a commanding Group I performance, while Argentina opened their title defence against Algeria in Kansas City. Now, attention shifts to Day 7 on Wednesday, June 17, which features four mouth-watering fixtures: Portugal vs DR Congo, England vs Croatia, Ghana vs Panama, and Uzbekistan vs Colombia — a slate of matches that could define the trajectory of Groups K and L.

The tournament’s first week has already produced unforgettable moments — from Cape Verde’s heroic draw against Spain to Saudi Arabia’s spirited display against Uruguay — but the matches on Day 7 bring together some of football’s greatest names and most storied rivalries. Cristiano Ronaldo, Jude Bellingham, Luka Modrić, and James Rodríguez all take the stage in what promises to be one of the most compelling days of the group phase.

Day 6 Results: France Assert Their Class

France 3-1 Senegal (MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford): The 2018 champions produced the most convincing performance of the tournament so far, with Kylian Mbappé orchestrating a fluid French attack that overwhelmed Senegal’s defence. France’s quality in transition was devastating, with three goals scored from rapid counter-attacks that exposed gaps in Senegal’s otherwise well-organised defensive structure.

The result was a statement of intent from a French squad that many consider the pre-tournament favourites. While Senegal showed quality in possession and created several half-chances, they were ultimately outclassed by a team whose depth and individual brilliance set them apart from almost every other nation at the tournament.

Iraq vs Norway and Austria vs Jordan completed the Day 6 schedule, with results that left Groups I and J taking shape ahead of the second round of matches.

Day 7 Preview: Groups K and L Take Centre Stage

Portugal vs DR Congo — Group K (Houston, 1:00 PM ET): Cristiano Ronaldo, now 41 years old, leads Portugal into what is almost certainly his final World Cup campaign. The all-time leading scorer in international football history may have lost a step in terms of pace, but his positioning, aerial ability, and sheer force of will continue to make him a decisive figure in big matches.

DR Congo, appearing at only their second World Cup after a 52-year absence (their last appearance was as Zaire in 1974), bring a squad of athletically gifted players, many of whom ply their trade in Europe’s top leagues. Their qualification campaign was impressive, and they will not be overawed by the occasion. However, Portugal’s squad depth — Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leão, and João Félix among them — gives them a significant advantage on paper.

England vs Croatia — Group L (Arlington, Texas, 4:00 PM ET): The headline fixture of Day 7 brings together two teams with recent World Cup pedigree and a shared history of dramatic encounters. Their 2018 semi-final — which Croatia won in extra time — and their 2021 Euro group-stage match — which England won 1-0 — provide the backdrop for a fixture that both teams will view as essential to win.

England, under manager Thomas Tuchel, arrive at the World Cup with one of the most talented squads in the tournament. Jude Bellingham, the 23-year-old Real Madrid midfielder, is the creative engine of the team, while Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, and Declan Rice provide quality across every line. However, England’s tournament history is littered with underperformance against expectation, and Tuchel’s challenge is to channel this squad’s talent into results.

Croatia, in what is likely the final tournament for Luka Modrić at 40, carry a sense of footballing romance. The 2018 finalists and 2022 third-place finishers have consistently punched above their weight at major tournaments, and their midfield — even in transition — remains one of the most technically gifted in world football.

Ghana vs Panama — Group L (Toronto, 7:00 PM ET): The second Group L match sees Ghana, four-time African champions, face Panama in what both teams will view as the more winnable fixture in a group dominated by England and Croatia. The result could prove decisive in determining which team advances as the third-place qualifier.

Uzbekistan vs Colombia — Group K (Mexico City, 10:00 PM ET): The late match pairs one of the tournament’s most exciting emerging forces, Uzbekistan, against a Colombian side featuring James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz, and a blend of youth and experience. Colombia reached the 2024 Copa América final and will fancy their chances against an Uzbek team making only their second World Cup appearance.

What to Watch on Day 7

The key narratives are clear: Can Ronaldo produce one more magical World Cup moment? Will England’s talent finally translate into tournament dominance? Can Croatia’s aging midfield compete for one last run? And will the underdogs — DR Congo, Ghana, Uzbekistan — continue the trend of competitive results that has defined this World Cup’s first week?

Day 7 promises to deliver answers — and, if the tournament’s early pattern holds, more than a few surprises.

Ankit Thakur

Ankit Thakur is an Editor at Daily Tips overseeing sports and entertainment coverage. A lifelong sports enthusiast with years of journalism experience, he covers cricket, kabaddi, football, esports, and gaming. He also manages the publication's entertainment vertical, bringing insider knowledge and passionate storytelling to every piece.

Ankit Thakur

View all posts by Ankit Thakur →