Panama 0-2 England: FIFA World Cup 2026 England made sure of first place in Group L as second-half goals by Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane earned their second win of this FIFA World Cup 2026 at New York New Jersey Stadium.
England had thrashed Panama 6-1 when the teams met at Russia 2018, but this was a closer contest as Thomas Christiansen’s team frustrated England in the first half. It was Bellingham who provided the key, holding off his marker and prodding in on the volley from Bukayo Saka’s corner after 62 minutes. The England No. 10 then crossed for Harry Kane to head his 11th World Cup goal – one more than previous record-holder Gary Lineker.
The wet conditions were familiar to England, but so too was the scenario of dominating the ball yet struggling to break down well-drilled opponents. Indeed, Panama might have nicked a goal just after the first hydration break, when Jose Luis Rodriguez broke into space on the left and tested Jordan Pickford with a strong shot turned behind at the near post
The main direction of travel continued towards Panama’s goal in the second half, with Mosquera making a flying save from Kane before Bellingham’s second goal of the tournament broke the deadlock.