Harry Kane's Double Powers England to 4-2 World Cup Victory Over Croatia
The Three Lions seize an early lead in Group L, while Colombia secures a crucial opening win and DR Congo makes history with their first World Cup point.
The story
England kicked off their World Cup campaign with a dominant 4-2 victory over Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Captain Harry Kane led the charge, scoring twice in the first half, including converting a retaken penalty in the 12th minute after an initial save was overturned by VAR due to goalkeeper encroachment.
Croatia twice equalized in a chaotic first half through Martin Baturina in the 36th minute and Petar Musa in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time, making it 2-2 at the break. However, England seized control in the second half, with Jude Bellingham restoring their lead in the 47th minute. Substitute Marcus Rashford sealed the win in the 86th minute, ensuring England secured all three points in Group L.
Yesterday's results
Portugal vs DR Congo
Score: 1-1
Key: Yoane Wissa scores historic equalizer for DR Congo in first-half stoppage time, earning their first-ever World Cup point.
England vs Croatia
Score: 4-2
Key: Harry Kane's brace and second-half goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford secure England's win.
Ghana vs Panama
Score: 1-0
Key: Caleb Yirenkyi's 95th-minute tap-in clinches a dramatic victory for Ghana in Toronto.
Uzbekistan vs Colombia
Score: 1-3
Key: Luis Díaz stars with a goal and an assist as Colombia overcome debutants Uzbekistan in Mexico City.
Where it stands
In Group L, England sits atop with 3 points and a +2 goal difference after their 4-2 win over Croatia. Ghana also has 3 points with a +1 goal difference following their dramatic 1-0 victory against Panama.
Croatia and Panama are at the bottom with 0 points each, with Croatia having a -2 goal difference and Panama a -1 goal difference. In Group K, Colombia leads with 3 points and a +2 goal difference after their 3-1 win against Uzbekistan.
Portugal and DR Congo share second place with 1 point each after their 1-1 draw. Uzbekistan is fourth with 0 points.
What we'll be watching
- 2026-06-18T20:00Z — Czechia vs South Africa [World Cup, Group A], Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta
- 2026-06-18T23:00Z — Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina [World Cup, Group B], Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles
- 2026-06-19T02:00Z — Canada vs Qatar [World Cup, Group B], BC Place, Vancouver
- 2026-06-19T05:00Z — Mexico vs South Korea [World Cup, Group A], Estadio Guadalajara, Zapopan
- 2026-06-19T23:00Z — United States vs Australia [World Cup, Group D], Seattle Stadium, Seattle
- 2026-06-20T04:00Z — Scotland vs Morocco [World Cup, Group C], Foxborough Stadium, Foxborough
- 2026-06-20T05:00Z — Brazil vs Haiti [World Cup, Group C], Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia
Reporting + analyst voices: grounded via Google Search at publish time.