Harry Kane inspired England to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Panama as the Three Lions finished on top of Group L in the FIFA World Cup 2026. The England captain scored his record-breaking 11th World Cup goal to become his country's all-time leading scorer in the tournament, while Jude Bellingham produced another outstanding display with a goal and an assist.
England had already secured qualification for the Round of 32 before kick-off, but the victory ensured they finished first in the group and will now face one of the best third-placed teams in the knockout stage.
Panama make a confident start
Panama showed no signs of fear despite facing one of the tournament favourites. Just 10 seconds into the match, Tomás Rodríguez tested Jordan Pickford with a long-range effort. The England goalkeeper gathered comfortably.
England responded quickly through Marcus Rashford, whose curling effort forced Orlando Mosquera into an early save. Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham also came close as England controlled possession but struggled to break through Panama's disciplined defence.
Panama threaten before halftime
Panama continued to look dangerous on the counterattack. José Luis Rodríguez beat Jarell Quansah down the left wing before firing a low shot towards the bottom corner. Pickford reacted well to push the effort away.
England created more chances before the break. Rashford headed over from close range and later curled a dangerous free-kick just wide of the post. Despite dominating possession, England went into halftime without a goal.
Bellingham breaks the deadlock
England returned after the interval with greater urgency. Rodríguez almost surprised England again when he curled another effort narrowly over the crossbar. Harry Kane then forced Mosquera into a smart save just before the hour mark.
England finally found the breakthrough in the 62nd minute. Bukayo Saka delivered a corner from the left, and Jude Bellingham stretched out a leg inside the six-yard box to guide the ball into the bottom corner. The goal rewarded England's sustained pressure and shifted the momentum completely.
Kane creates World Cup history
Only five minutes after England opened the scoring, Harry Kane added his name to the record books. Jude Bellingham delivered a perfectly weighted cross into the penalty area, and Kane rose above the defenders to power a header into the net.
The strike was Kane's 11th World Cup goal for England, making him the country's highest-ever scorer in the tournament. He also became the first England player to score four World Cup goals against the same opponent after finding the net four times against Panama across different editions.
Panama denied late consolation
Noni Madueke almost added a third goal for England, but Mosquera made another important save. Panama thought they had finally scored their first goal of the tournament in stoppage time.
José Fajardo finished brilliantly after meeting Eric Davies' cross, but the assistant referee immediately raised the offside flag. The goal was ruled out, and Panama finished their World Cup campaign without scoring.
Bellingham shines as England finish top
Although Kane claimed the headlines with another historic milestone, Jude Bellingham produced another influential performance. The Real Madrid midfielder scored once and created another goal, becoming the youngest England player since 1966 to both score and assist in a World Cup match.
England looked much sharper after halftime and finished with 17 shots and an expected goals (xG) value of 1.40. Panama also showed attacking intent and managed 13 attempts but could not find a breakthrough. England now head into the Round of 32 as Group L winners, while Panama exit the tournament after a spirited campaign without registering a goal.