Captain Harry Kane’s brace followed by Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford's goals in second half helped England beat Croatia in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener at Dallas Stadium, Arlington, on June 17. In doing so, England registered their first 4-2 win in World Cup history since the 1966 edition’s final West against Germany.
With a brace, Kane equalled Gary Lineker's record for most World Cup goals by an England player. He also became the second England player after David Beckham to score in three different editions of World Cup. He scored his first goal of the match via penalty, making him the highest goal-scorer in World Cup history via penalties barring shootouts.
Kane strikes twice but even-stevens in 1st half
Kane struck with his second attempt on a penalty kick after Croatia's Luka Modric kicked Noni Madueke in the thigh. Modric escaped a yellow card in his fifth World Cup’s first appearance. Dominik Livakovic came off the line which game Kane a second chance. In the 36th minute, Martin Baturina found the equaliser. Six minutes, Kane scored via a header off Declan Rice's corner kick to equal Lineker's record. But later into the first half, Petar Musa scored the equaliser. He tracked Ivan Perisic's header and managed to beat Jordan Pickford, finding the left corner.
Spirited England score 2 more, concede none
As the game was draw 2-2 at half time, England got a pep talk from their manager, Thomas Tuchel as revealed by Kane in the post-match interview. The effect showed straightaway into the second half. A long pass from Elliot Anderson found Jude Bellingham. He beat the defender and the goalkeeper Livakovic. He had another opportunity to score but Livakovic was able to deny him. In the 85th minute, Marcus Rashford extended the lead off Byokayo Saka's pass. Rashford reached the penalty area, faked a shot with his left foot and then scored the last goal of the match.
Who will England, Croatia face next?
England will now face Ghana on June 24. On the other hand, Croatia will look for their first win against Panama on the same day.