Harry Kane breaks England’s World Cup scoring record to beat Panama, while Nikola Vlasic strikes late for Croatia to secure a Round of 32 spot.
A quick-fire second-half double ensured England claimed top spot in World Cup Group L, while Croatia relied on late aerial mastery to join them in the Round of 32 on a dramatic afternoon of final group fixtures.
Thomas Tuchel’s side struggled for rhythm during a sluggish opening period against a disciplined Panama setup. The Central Americans frequently unpicked England’s shape on the break, forcing Jordan Pickford into a sharp, low save to keep the match scoreless before the interval.
The introduction of fresh wide options shifted the momentum. England broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute when Jude Bellingham reacted quickest at a corner, adjusting under pressure to flick his effort inside the post.
Five minutes later, the midfielder turned creator. Driving down the left wing, Bellingham beat his marker and lifted a cross toward the near post, where Harry Kane met it with a powerful header. The goal was Kane’s 11th at the World Cup, moving him past Gary Lineker as his country’s highest scorer in the tournament’s history. Panama had a late consolation ruled out for offside, leaving England to progress with seven points.
Harry Kane is now's England all-time top scorer in the World Cup 🏴👏 pic.twitter.com/NEsEny5FzT
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) June 27, 2026
Meanwhile in Philadelphia, Croatia secured their progression as group runners-up with a hard-fought win over Ghana. Zlatko Dalic’s team dominated early possession and took the lead just after the half-hour mark when Petar Sucic found space 25 yards out to drive a low strike into the bottom corner.
Ghana responded after the interval, introducing pace out wide to trouble the Croatian backline. They equalized in the 73rd minute when Derrick Luckassen turned the ball in at the back post – a goal initially disallowed for offside but subsequently awarded after a lengthy video review.
With their tournament progression in the balance, Croatia found a response seven minutes from time. Luka Modric delivered a precise corner into the penalty area, allowing Nikola Vlasic to rise above the defense and power his header home.
The result moves Croatia onto six points, while Ghana also advances to the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams.