Sports News from Thursday, June 18th, 2026

Colombia winger Luis Diaz has dazzled at a raucous Azteca Stadium as his side marked their return to the World Cup with a 3-1 Group K win over tournament debutants Uzbekistan on Wednesday.

Cape Verde's heroic goalkeeper Vozinha will have his mother in the stands when he next takes to the pitch at the World Cup on Sunday, after US officials moved to ensure she could obtain a visa in time to attend the match against Uruguay in Miami.

Caleb Yirenkyi has scored a stoppage-time winner to earn Ghana a 1-0 win over Panama after the African side were forced to play the second half without starting goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi on Wednesday in Toronto.

Harry Kane has scored a first-half brace, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford added goals after halftime, and England kicked off its World Cup with a 4-2 victory over Croatia in an entertaining Group L clash at Arlington, Texas.