World Cup Matches Set for Wednesday Across North America

Portugal versus the Democratic Republic of the Congo starts at Houston Stadium at 12pm local time. Opta simulations give Portugal a 54.6 percent chance of victory based on 25,000 pre-match runs, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo holds a 23.1 percent probability.

England and Croatia meet at Dallas Stadium at 3pm local time. England enters as favorites according to 10,000 simulations that project a 55.9 percent win rate for the Three Lions. Ghana faces Panama at Toronto Stadium at 7pm local time. Panama receives a 45.2 percent projected win probability in Opta models, ahead of Ghana at 29.6 percent.

Colombia plays Uzbekistan at Mexico City Stadium at 8pm local time. Colombia is projected to win 62.4 percent of simulations, while Uzbekistan holds a 17.5 percent chance.

Ronaldo is set to appear in a record-equalling sixth World Cup tournament and could become the first player to score in six different editions. The Portugal captain told reporters last week that his team must focus on a strong start. Lionel Messi scored his first World Cup hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria, moving level with Miroslav Klose on 16 career World Cup goals.

Several teams reported sightings of venomous snakes near training camps in the United States, prompting some squads to designate restricted areas within their facilities. Supporters of Argentina and Algeria clashed in New York’s Times Square hours before their teams met, with police intervening to end the disturbance.

Fans outside North America face difficult viewing times, with many matches in Europe and the Middle East scheduled between midnight and 8am local time.