The FIFA World Cup continues with crucial group-stage encounters today as teams battle for a place in the knockout rounds. 

 

In Group K, Portugal will face Uzbekistan at Houston in US with Cristiano Ronaldo’s side aiming to bounce back after being held to a draw in their opening match. The match will begin at 10:30 PM. 

 

In Group L, England meet Ghana in a highly anticipated clash in Boston, US at 1:30 am. England will be looking to build on their impressive start to the tournament, while Ghana seek another positive result to boost their qualification hopes.

 

In another Group L fixture, Croatia will take on Panama at Toronto in Canada from 4:30 am. Croatia need a strong response after their opening defeat, while Panama are searching for their first win of the campaign.

 

Later, Colombia lock horns with DR Congo in Guadalajara from 7:30 am tomorrow in Group K fixture.

 

Meanwhile, Argentina, France and Norway have confirmed their progression to the knockout rounds.

 

Argentina registered a convincing 2-nil win over Austria in a Group J fixture at Arlington, US last night. Captain Lionel Messi starred for the South American giants, scoring both goals. With the brace, Messi took his World Cup tally to 18 goals, surpassing Germany legend Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 to become the highest goal-scorer in FIFA World Cup history.

 

In another match, Norway edged past Senegal 3-2 in their Group I clash at the New York Stadium to secured their place in the Round of 32.

 

In another key result, France cruised into the Knockout rounds with a dominant 3-nil victory over Iraq in a Group I match at the Philadelphia Stadium early this morning. Kylian Mbappé scored twice, while Ousmane Dembélé added the third as the French side secured qualification in style.

 

Besides, Algeria registered a 2-1 victory over debutants Jordan in a Group J encounter at Santa Clara in the United States today, keeping their hopes alive of progressing to the knockout stages. 

 

With the race for the Round of 32 intensifying, today’s results could prove decisive in shaping the knockout-stage picture.