World Cup 2026: Iran squad gets earlier entry to the US, Colombia wins again

In the second round of group-stage matches at the football World Cup, several exciting encounters took place: Colombia defeated the Democratic Republic of the Congo 1:0 in Guadalajara, England drew 0:0 with Ghana, and Croatia defeated Panama 1:0. The Iranian squad received positive news when the US government agreed to allow their players to enter the country two days before their final group match against Egypt, rather than one day as previously permitted.

Saturday brought football fans a rich programme of matches as World Cup group-stage encounters took place simultaneously across the US and Mexico.

Colombia advance confidently

In Guadalajara, Colombia played their second group match, defeating the Democratic Republic of the Congo 1:0. The winning goal was scored by right-back Daniel Munoz, the same player who scored in the first match. Two wins from two matches secure Colombia a place in the round of 16, and in the final group game they will face Portugal with a chance to top the group. A draw would also be enough for Colombia.

According to statistics, Colombia have a 51.4 per cent probability of winning Group K. The team has won their first two World Cup matches for only the second time, the first occasion being in 2014, when Colombia reached the quarter-finals, which remains their best result to date.

England stumble, Croatia win narrowly

England drew 0:0 with Ghana in their group match, a result that disappointed the English. Before the match, Ghana's players joked that they would use juju against Harry Kane, and in the second half Kane did indeed miss a golden opportunity, leaving fans bewildered. The Ghanaian side could be satisfied with the draw.

Croatia secured an important 1:0 victory over Panama, cementing their three points.

Iranians get more preparation time

One of the day's most significant pieces of news off the pitch concerned the Iranian squad. The US government made a concession to the Iranians and will allow them to enter the country two days before their final group match against Egypt, whereas in previous matches they had been permitted to arrive only one day before the encounter. However, immediately after the match the players must return to their base in Mexico, this clause remains unchanged.

The Iranian squad had already requested two days of preparation time before their match against Belgium, but that request was denied. Iran have two points on the table and still have a chance of progressing from the group.

DR Congo superfan finally arrives

Attention was also drawn to DR Congo superfan Lumumba Vea, who stands motionless on the podium throughout the entire match, similar to a statue of the country's legendary political leader and freedom fighter Patrice Lumumba. He was unable to attend the first match due to visa issues, but he was already in the stands against Colombia. His team nonetheless lost 0:1.