England ended their FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage campaign on the best possible note when they defeated Panama 2-0 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Saturday, June 27. Jude Bellingham scored first, then Harry Kane added the second — and in doing so, Kane became England’s all-time leading scorer at FIFA World Cups. The Three Lions finished Group L as winners with seven points and head into the Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s genuine contenders.
England had made sure of their place at the top of Group L earlier in the evening, with Jude Bellingham scoring one and setting up Harry Kane for the other in a 2-0 win over Panama. Harry Kane will be looking to add to his scoring ledger after becoming the Three Lions’ all-time World Cup goal leader in the final group game.
Kane made history — can you name every England player by jersey number? The FIFA 2026 Jersey Quiz tests all 48 nations. Which number does Kane wear for England?
Play the FIFA 2026 Jersey Quiz – England Edition!
Kane’s Historic Milestone
Harry Kane’s goal against Panama was not just another World Cup strike — it was a record-breaking moment that cements his place as England’s greatest-ever World Cup scorer. The Bayern Munich striker, who has spent his entire career in pursuit of the kind of major trophy his extraordinary individual talent deserves, now stands alone at the top of England’s World Cup scoring chart. His goal against Panama — converting a chance created by Bellingham’s intelligence — was composed, precise and entirely characteristic of England’s captain at his best.
Bellingham Sets Up, Then Scores
Jude Bellingham’s performance against Panama — opening the scoring with his characteristic arriving-late-from-midfield finish and then creating Kane’s record-breaking goal — demonstrated exactly the kind of two-way contribution that makes him England’s most important player in this tournament. His understanding with Kane in the attacking half of the pitch is developing into one of the tournament’s most productive partnerships.
Group L Final Standings
- England: W2 D1 | GD +4 | Pts 7 | 4-2 Croatia, 0-0 Ghana, 2-0 Panama
- Croatia: W2 L1 | GD +1 | Pts 6 | Lost 2-4 England, beat 1-0 Panama, beat 2-1 Ghana
- Ghana: W1 D1 L1 | Pts 4 | Beat Panama, drew England, lost Croatia | Eliminated
- Panama: L3 | Pts 0 | Eliminated
England’s Round of 32 — DR Congo in Atlanta
England face DR Congo in the Round of 32 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on July 1 (12 PM ET / 5 PM BST / 9:30 PM IST). DR Congo qualified as one of the eight best third-placed teams after a stunning 3-1 comeback win over Uzbekistan in Matchday 3. The winner faces Mexico at Estadio Azteca in the Round of 16 on July 5. WARNING: DR Congo lead England 1-0 at half-time in the July 1 match — update this article with the final result.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score of England vs Panama at FIFA World Cup 2026?
England defeated Panama 2-0 in their Group L final match on June 27, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane scored.
Is Harry Kane England’s all-time World Cup top scorer?
Yes. Harry Kane became England’s all-time leading scorer at FIFA World Cups with his goal against Panama on June 27, 2026. He passed the previous record in the Group L final match at MetLife Stadium.
Follow England’s knockout campaign at theOpenHandbook’s FIFA World Cup 2026 hub.
