In briefEngland are playing against Croatia in their World Cup opener in Arlington, Texas.Ghana will take on Panama while Uzbekistan will face Colombia in their group openers later today.Cristiano Ronaldo played in a record-equalling sixth World Cup on Thursday AEST, but his Portugal side were held to a 1-1 draw by the Democratic Republic of Congo.This came just before England started their challenge against Croatia in their Group L opener in Dallas Stadium in Arlington.England are among the favourites in this World Cup after a string of near-misses at recent tournaments, but history weighs heavily on a side that last won the World Cup on home soil in 1966.Portuguese great Ronaldo, 41, equalled the record set on Wednesday by his old nemesis Lionel Messi, but he found the going tough against a resolute Congolese defence in Houston.Joao Neves opened the scoring for Portugal in the first half, but Yoane Wissa of English Premier League club Newcastle equalised with a headed goal in first-half injury time to give the Congolese their first-ever World Cup point.News that makes senseYour trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.The DRC's achievement was even greater given that their preparations have been disrupted by the Ebola outbreak in their country."It is a tremendous source of pride to have earned DR Congo’s first-ever point at the FIFA World Cup, as well as its first goal," their coach, Sebastien Desabre, said."I am very proud of my players because they represented the Congo in a very positive way and the entire country deserves it."Several Portugal players, meanwhile, were wearing wrist bands in tribute to late team-mate Diogo Jota, who was killed in a car crash last year.Ronaldo had a tough act to follow after Messi scored a spectacular hat-trick for Argentina on Tuesday to equal the all-time World Cup goalscoring record, making a mockery of his 38 years.Source: SBS NewsAhead of their clash against Croatia, England captain Harry Kane urged his teammates to "go for it" and be "free in the mind"."For sure it's one of the best opportunities we will have as a team to win it," Kane said on Wednesday.All the FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage on our World Cup pageHow to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 on SBSWatch all 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at our On Demand hubHow to favourite your FIFA World Cup 2026™ team and never miss a single moment of the action"I think everyone is eager to just start well tomorrow and prove that we have the capabilities of going far in this tournament."Ultimately, for me, the message is just to be free in the mind."In other games on Thursday, Ghana face Panama in Toronto in England's Group L.Then first-time qualifiers Uzbekistan tackle Colombia at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City in Group K, the same group as Portugal.— With reporting by Agence France-Presse and Reuters news agencies.You can watch all 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ live, free and exclusive on SBS, SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand.For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.