2026 World Cup Result: Harry Kane Scores Two Goals, England Settles the Score Against Croatia

England National Team opened their campaign in 2026 World Cup Group L with a 4-2 victory over Croatia at Dallas Stadium, United States, early Thursday WIB. This win also served as revenge for The Three Lions against Croatia, who had knocked them out of the 2018 World Cup semi-finals.

Harry Kane was the star of England's victory after scoring two goals, while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford each contributed one goal.

With these two additional goals, Kane equalled Gary Lineker's record as England's all-time top goalscorer at the World Cup, holding a total tally of 10 tournament goals.

The match was played at high tempo right from kickoff. England applied pressure and was awarded a penalty in the 9th minute after Luka Modric fouled Noni Madueke inside the penalty box.

Harry Kane stepped up as the penalty taker, but saw his first attempt saved by Dominik Livakovic. The penalty was ordered to be retaken as the goalkeeper was judged to have committed an infringement during the kick execution.

On his second attempt, Kane did not waste the opportunity and put England ahead 1-0 in the 12th minute.

This goal marked a special milestone for Kane. The Bayern Munich striker became only the second England player to score at three different World Cup editions, following the path of David Beckham who achieved this in 1998, 2002 and 2006.

Croatia did not remain passive. Zlatko Dalic's side responded in the 36th minute through Martin Baturina. Receiving a pass from Petar Sucic, the Como 1907 wonderkid unleashed a long-range shot into the top right corner of Jordan Pickford's goal. The score became 1-1.

England regained the lead in the 42nd minute. Kane scored his second goal with a header, converting Declan Rice's corner kick to put England back in front 2-1.

First half drama did not end there. As the match entered stoppage time, Croatia equalised once again when Petar Musa finished off Ivan Perisic's pass. The score stood at 2-2 at the end of the first 45 minutes.

Just two minutes after half time, Jude Bellingham restored The Three Lions' lead. Receiving a pass from Elliot Anderson, the Real Madrid midfielder made a quick penetrating run before firing a low shot that Livakovic failed to stop. England led 3-2.

Croatia attempted to close the deficit, but Jordan Pickford showed his quality with a crucial save to deny Mario Pasalic in the 76th minute.

As Croatia increased their attacking pressure, England sealed the victory through Marcus Rashford in the 85th minute. The substitute's powerful shot found the bottom left corner of the goal, closing the match with a 4-2 win for England.

Match Lineups

England (4-2-3-1): Jordan Pickford; Nico O'Reilly, John Stones (Guehi 87'), Ezri Konsa, Reece James; Declan Rice (Rogers 72'), Elliot Anderson; Anthony Gordon (Rashford 72'), Jude Bellingham (Spence 80'), Noni Madueke (Saka 72'); Harry Kane.
Head Coach: Thomas Tuchel

Croatia (3-4-2-1): Dominik Livakovic; Josko Gvardiol, Luka Vuskovic, Josip Sutalo; Ivan Perisic, Mario Pasalic (Kramaric 79'), Luka Modric (Kovacic 58'), Josip Stanisic; Petar Sucic, Martin Baturina; Petar Musa (Matanovic 66').
Head Coach: Zlatko Dalic