England opens 2026 World Cup by defeating Croatia 4-2
Harry Kane scored twice and matched Gary Lineker's England World Cup record with 10 goals.
England opened Group L at the 2026 World Cup with a 4-2 victory over Croatia at Dallas Stadium, Texas, on Thursday. Harry Kane scored two goals, while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford added one apiece to send England to the top of the group with three points. Croatia twice pulled level through Martin Baturina and Petar Musa. Kane put England ahead from a retaken penalty in the 12th minute after Dominik Livakovic moved early on the first save attempt. Croatia equalized in the 36th minute, but Kane restored England's lead before halftime. After Musa made it 2-2 in first-half stoppage time, Bellingham put England back in front in the 47th minute and Rashford sealed the win in the 85th. The two goals left Kane level with Gary Lineker on 10 World Cup goals for England.