- 2026 FIFA World Cup: Kane Equals World Cup Record as England Outclass Croatia in Six-Goal Thriller
England began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion on Wednesday, defeating Croatia 4-2 in a pulsating Group L encounter at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Captain Harry Kane led from the front with a superb first-half brace before Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford struck after the break to hand the Three Lions a vital opening victory. Croatia twice fought their way back into the contest through Martin Baturina and Petar Musa, but England’s intensity and quality ultimately proved too much for the 2018 World Cup finalists.
The result marks England’s third consecutive World Cup tournament in which they have won their opening match, underlining their status as one of the favourites for the title in North America.
The match exploded into life after just 12 minutes when England were awarded a penalty. Winger Noni Madueke, making his World Cup debut, was brought down by veteran Croatian midfielder Luka Modric inside the area.
Kane stepped up but initially saw his effort brilliantly saved by Dominik Livakovic. However, French referee Clement Turpin ordered a retake after video replays showed the Croatian goalkeeper had moved off his line early, while defender Josko Gvardiol encroached into the penalty area.
Given a second opportunity, Kane showed no hesitation, firing into the same corner to give England a 1-0 lead.
The goal settled England, but Croatia gradually grew into the game and found a spectacular equaliser in the 36th minute. Petar Sucic teed up Martin Baturina, who curled a magnificent effort beyond Jordan Pickford and into the far corner, despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to the ball.
England quickly regained control and restored their advantage three minutes before halftime. Declan Rice delivered a dangerous corner and Kane rose highest to power home a header for his second goal of the afternoon.
The strike was significant beyond the scoreline. It took Kane’s World Cup tally to ten goals, drawing him level with England legend Gary Lineker as the country’s all-time leading scorer at the tournament.
Yet Croatia refused to surrender. Deep into first-half stoppage time, the Europeans produced another moment of quality. Mario Pasalic’s clever ball over the defence was expertly flicked on by Ivan Perisic, allowing Dallas-based striker Petar Musa to volley home and level the score at 2-2.
After a breathless opening 45 minutes, both teams headed into the dressing room knowing the match remained firmly in the balance.
Whatever was said by England coach Thomas Tuchel during the interval had an immediate impact. Just two minutes after the restart, Jude Bellingham restored England’s lead. Operating in the No. 10 role, the young midfielder surged in from the right flank before calmly driving a low finish across Livakovic and into the corner.
The goal transformed the match. England suddenly found another gear, pressing aggressively and moving the ball with far greater speed and purpose. Croatia struggled to contain the relentless pressure as Livakovic was repeatedly called into action to keep his side in contention.
The Croatian goalkeeper produced a series of outstanding saves, denying England on several occasions as the Three Lions pushed for a decisive fourth goal.
Croatia’s resistance was finally broken five minutes from time. Substitute Bukayo Saka produced a brilliant piece of wing play before finding fellow substitute Marcus Rashford inside the box. Rashford kept his composure and slotted beyond Livakovic to make it 4-2 and put the result beyond doubt.
The goal capped a commanding second-half display from England and ensured they opened their World Cup journey with maximum points. In addition to matching Lineker’s England World Cup scoring record, Kane also set another milestone.
His successful spot-kick was his fifth World Cup penalty goal (excluding shootouts), the most scored by any player in the tournament’s history. The England captain’s influence throughout the contest earned him the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match award.
For England, the victory represents an ideal beginning to their World Cup campaign. Kane’s goals, Bellingham’s creativity and the impact of the substitutes showcased the depth and quality available to Tuchel as he pursues global glory.
Croatia, meanwhile, will take encouragement from their attacking display and the quality of their two equalising goals, but defensive lapses and England’s superior second-half energy ultimately proved costly.
As Group L begins to take shape, England have laid down an early marker, announcing themselves as serious contenders with an entertaining and convincing victory over one of Europe’s most experienced international sides.
