Updated: 2026-07-01 | Results and data follow FIFA’s official announcements; please reconfirm live information.
In their final Group L fixture at the 2026 World Cup, England beat Panama 2-0 at the New York New Jersey Stadium to advance to the knockout stage as group winners. Panama’s packed defence frustrated the Three Lions throughout a goalless first half, but England broke through on 62 minutes when Jude Bellingham met a Bukayo Saka corner and drilled a left-footed finish into the net from the centre of the box. Just five minutes later, on 67 minutes, Harry Kane headed home Bellingham’s cross to make it 2-0. The goal carried extra weight: it was Kane’s 11th at World Cups, taking him past Gary Lineker as England’s all-time leading World Cup scorer. There were no red cards, VAR reversals or penalties of note in the match.
The win saw England finish above Croatia and others to top Group L, securing a more favourable knockout route and avoiding some of the tournament’s heavyweights, while Panama were eliminated. Next up, England face DR Congo in the Round of 32 on Wednesday, 1 July at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with the Congolese having reached the last 32 as the best of the eight third-placed sides. For full fixtures, broadcast details and ticketing, see the World Cup Canada hub and the where to watch in Canada; all subsequent details remain subject to FIFA’s official announcements.
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