World Cup: PSG duo shine for Portugal as England denied in draw to Ghana

Paris Saint-Germain pair Nuno Mendes and João Neves played key roles as Portugal bounced back from their opening-day disappointment to thrash Uzbekistan 5-0, while Marc Guéhi was denied a dramatic late winner as England were held to a goalless draw by Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

After being criticised following their 1-1 draw against DR Congo, Portugal responded emphatically in Houston. Mendes was one of the standout performers, scoring his side's second goal with a clever low free-kick after Cristiano Ronaldo had opened the scoring inside six minutes. The PSG full-back constantly threatened down the left flank, while club teammate Neves controlled the midfield and helped Portugal dominate possession throughout the contest.

Ronaldo's opener also secured his place in football history, making him the first player ever to score in six different World Cups. The 41-year-old added a second before half-time, finishing a swift counterattack to put Portugal 3-0 ahead at the break.

Uzbekistan thought they had pulled a goal back through Azizjon Ganiev, but VAR intervened and ruled out the strike for a foul in the build-up. Portugal remained in complete control after the interval and extended their lead through an own goal from goalkeeper Abduvakhid Nematov before Rafael Leão completed the scoring with a superb late finish.

The victory moves Roberto Martínez's side to the top of Group K and restores confidence ahead of a decisive clash with Colombia.

England held by Ghana

Elsewhere, England missed the opportunity to secure qualification from Group L after being frustrated by a resilient Ghana side in Foxborough. Thomas Tuchel's team dominated possession but struggled to break down a compact defensive block, with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham unable to find a breakthrough.

The best chance of the match arrived in the closing stages. After James O'Reilly had headed against the crossbar, Guéhi looked set to snatch victory when he powered a header towards goal in stoppage time. However, Ghana produced a remarkable goal-line clearance to preserve a valuable point.

The 0-0 draw leaves both England and Ghana on four points heading into the final round of group-stage fixtures, while Portugal's emphatic victory puts them in pole position to reach the knockout stages.

REaD more: 

>>World Cup: Amine Gouiri fires Algeria to comeback win

>>World Cup: France secure knockout place with win over Iraq