Harry Kane made history as England defeated Panama 2-0 to finish top of Group L and secure a place in the Round of 32, while Croatia edged Ghana 2-1 to secure the group’s second qualification spot and send the Black Stars crashing out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After a frustrating first half, England finally found the breakthrough in the 62nd minute when Jude Bellingham capped a fine move with a composed finish. Five minutes later, Bellingham turned provider, delivering a pinpoint cross for Kane, who powered home a header in the 67th minute to score his 11th World Cup goal and move past Gary Lineker as England’s all-time leading scorer at the tournament.
Bellingham was at the heart of almost everything England did well, finishing with a goal and an assist, while Kane once again showed his clinical finishing in front of goal. Panama defended bravely for much of the contest but struggled to trouble England after the interval as Thomas Tuchel’s men comfortably saw out the victory.
The other Group L encounter produced even more drama. Croatia took the lead in the first half through Petar Sučić, but Ghana fought back after the break, with Derrick Luckassen levelling the score in the 73rd minute to breathe life into the Black Stars’ hopes.
Just as Ghana looked capable of holding on for the result they needed, Croatia struck the decisive blow. Luka Modrić’s corner found Nikola Vlašić, who headed home in the 83rd minute to hand the Croatians a 2-1 victory and end Ghana’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
England advance to the Round of 32 as Group L winners, with Croatia joining them after their victory over Ghana.
The Black Stars’ campaign ends at the group stage after finishing third in Group L, while Kane’s record-breaking strike and Bellingham’s goal-and-assist display ensured England head into the knockout rounds full of confidence.
Geoff Hurst, whose hat-trick inspired England to World Cup glory in 1966, remains third on the country’s all-time World Cup scoring chart with five goals.
