England Beat Panama, Secure Top Spot in Group L at 2026 World Cup
England defeated Panama 2-0 to win Group L, while Croatia beat Ghana 2-1 to finish second, all advancing to the knockout stage.
England's football team defeated Panama 2-0 on Sunday, June 28, in the final round of the group stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, securing first place in Group L.
The first half ended goalless despite England's dominance and several chances. Panama had two dangerous counterattacks, but England's goalkeeper saved one, and the other shot missed by inches.
In the second half, England broke the deadlock in the 60th minute. Bukayo Saka's corner found Jude Bellingham, who volleyed into the bottom corner for his second goal of the tournament. Minutes later, Morgan Rogers delivered a precise pass into the box, and Harry Kane headed home to make it 2-0. The goal was historic: Kane became England's all-time top World Cup scorer with 11 goals.
Panama tried to pull one back. Substitute Ismael Díaz twice threatened England's goal but lacked accuracy. In stoppage time, José Fajardo scored after a one-on-one, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
England finished with 7 points, winning the group. In a parallel match in Philadelphia, Croatia beat Ghana 2-1. Petar Sučić scored first (31'), Derrick Lukkassen equalized (73'), but Nikola Vlašić secured Croatia's win (83'). Croatia took second place with 6 points, Ghana advanced as third best with 4 points, and Panama exited without goals or points.
Before the match, England had already guaranteed a spot in the round of 16. The group win mattered because the group winner faces a third-place team in the first knockout round, while the runner-up will face Portugal or Colombia, and potentially Spain later.
