World Cup Day 7: The Last Dance, The New Era, and Coming Home
Yesterday belonged to Messi. Today will belong to Ronaldo.
A hat trick, a standing ovation, and history tied. Twenty years after making his World Cup debut, Messi scored the first World Cup hat trick of his career in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria, drawing level with Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record with 16 goals.
At 38 years old, he isn’t supposed to keep doing this. And yet he does.
Millions of us grew up watching Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo define football. Yesterday, Messi reminded us that his story isn’t over.
Today, Ronaldo gets his turn.
England begins a new era under Thomas Tuchel. Colombia returns to the World Cup after missing out four years ago. Uzbekistan takes the stage for the first time in its history.
The opening chapter of the 2026 World Cup ends tonight. And somehow, it feels like the story is only beginning.
The Last Dance
Cristiano Ronaldo has nothing left to prove.
Five Ballons d’Or, a European Championship, and the all-time international scoring record have already secured his place among football’s immortals. Yet there is still one thing missing: a defining World Cup run.
That’s the storyline entering Portugal’s opener against DR Congo.
Yesterday, Messi gave the world another unforgettable moment. Tonight, Ronaldo gets his chance to answer.
Maybe this is his final World Cup. Maybe not. But the stakes feel different now.
Portugal, though, is much more than Ronaldo. Bruno Fernandes remains one of the world’s elite creators. Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leão can unlock defenses in seconds. Vitinha controls games with remarkable composure, and this may be the deepest Portuguese squad Ronaldo has ever played with.
DR Congo isn’t here to be a footnote. Making its first World Cup appearance since 1974, the Leopards will try to spoil Ronaldo’s night and prove they belong on this stage.
Player to watch: Cristiano Ronaldo
This might be the last time we watch Cristiano Ronaldo begin a World Cup. That’s reason enough to pay attention, but it’s far from the only reason.
At 41 years old, Ronaldo is no longer the winger who terrorized defenders in 2006 or the unstoppable goalscorer who dominated the 2010s. His game has changed. He picks his moments more carefully now, conserving energy before exploding into the box or finding space where defenders lose track of him. Portugal no longer needs him to do everything.
Yesterday, Lionel Messi reminded the world that legends can still create new memories. Tonight, Ronaldo gets his chance to answer.
Maybe this is his final World Cup. Maybe not. Either way, every touch will feel a little more significant.
Prediction: Portugal 3–1 DR Congo
Portugal has too much quality across the pitch for me to pick against them. Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha should control possession, while Rafael Leão’s pace and creativity give Portugal another dimension in attack. I expect DR Congo to make things uncomfortable early; they’re athletic, dangerous in transition, and playing with the freedom of a team that has nothing to lose.
But over 90 minutes, Portugal’s depth should tell.
I think DR Congo finds a goal and reminds everyone they belong here, yet Portugal eventually pulls away behind its midfield quality and a moment of magic from the man everyone came to see.
England’s New Era
England always arrives at the World Cup carrying expectations.
This summer feels different because the man leading them is Thomas Tuchel.
England’s first tournament under the German manager begins against Croatia, and while the squad is overflowing with talent, there are still questions.
Can Tuchel unlock the best version of Jude Bellingham? Can Harry Kane finally lead England to glory? Most importantly, can England embrace the pressure instead of letting it consume them?
Croatia knows a thing or two about pressure.
Luka Modrić is somehow still here, still elegant, and still chasing one final magical run. England and Croatia have history dating back to the heartbreak of the 2018 semifinal, and while the faces have changed, the emotions remain.
This will be the first clue about who England might become.
Player to watch: Jude Bellingham
England has stars everywhere. But Bellingham feels different.
He’s fearless, technical, and already plays with the confidence of a veteran. If England is finally going to win another World Cup, he’ll probably be at the center of it.
Prediction: England 2-1 Croatia
Croatia will make England uncomfortable because that’s what Croatia does. But England’s talent eventually wins out.
A Chance to Change Everything
Not every World Cup story begins with a favorite. Some begin with opportunity.
Ghana and Panama know that three points tonight could completely reshape Group L. Win, and suddenly the knockout rounds become realistic. Lose, and the margin for error disappears.
For Ghana, memories of 2010 still linger. They came within a penalty kick of becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal. For Panama, this tournament is a chance to prove that 2018 was only the beginning.
That’s what makes this game so compelling. Neither team is expected to make a deep run. Both know this match could change everything.
Player to watch: Antoine Semenyo
With Thomas Partey unavailable and Mohammed Kudus sidelined, the spotlight falls on Antoine Semenyo. The 26-year-old winger has emerged as one of Ghana’s most important players, earning a move to Manchester City earlier this year after starring at Bournemouth and carrying that form into the World Cup.
What makes Semenyo so dangerous is his unpredictability. He can beat defenders with pace, cut inside and shoot, or bully opponents physically when the game becomes scrappy. Ghana doesn’t have the same depth it once did, which means there will be moments when the Black Stars simply need their best player to create something out of nothing.
This feels like the kind of stage where Semenyo can announce himself to a global audience.
Prediction: Ghana 2-0 Panama
I trust Ghana’s attacking talent a little more, even with the absences they’ll have to overcome. Panama is much improved from the team that debuted in 2018; they’re organized, experienced, and coming off several strong years under Thomas Christiansen, but Ghana still has more players capable of changing a match individually.
That said, this feels closer than people expect. Panama won’t make life easy, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this stays level deep into the second half before Ghana’s quality finally breaks through.
The One I’ve Been Waiting For
This one is personal.
I’ll be in the stadium tonight wearing yellow, surrounded by thousands of Colombians who have waited years for this moment.
As a Colombian-American, some of my earliest soccer memories are tied to this team. The joy of watching James Rodríguez in 2014. The heartbreak of missing the 2022 World Cup. The wonderful run in the 2024 Copa America. The feeling that Colombia somehow makes you feel everything all at once.
Tonight is the start of another chapter.
Uzbekistan is making its World Cup debut under Fabio Cannavaro, carrying the hopes of an entire nation. The White Wolves are organized, ambitious, and eager to prove they belong.
But Colombia has waited too long for this.
Luis Díaz enters the tournament as one of the world’s most electrifying players. James is back for what could be his final World Cup. Colombia missed the last tournament entirely, and this group returns to where it feels like it belongs.
And honestly? I’m not thinking about tactics right now.
I’m thinking about hearing the anthem. I’m thinking about seeing yellow jerseys everywhere. I’m thinking about being there.
Usually, this is where I’d make a prediction.
Not tonight.
I’m superstitious enough to know better.
I’ll leave the predictions to everyone else and just enjoy being there, singing with thousands of Colombians, and hoping this team gives us a night we’ll remember forever.
Yesterday, Messi reminded us he isn’t done. Tonight, Ronaldo gets his turn.
And somewhere in Mexico City, a sports writer’s dream comes true: he gets to watch his country return to the World Cup from the stands.
Honestly, that’s enough for me.