England secured top spot in Group L at the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Panama on Saturday, thanks to second-half strikes from Jude Bellingham and captain Harry Kane.
Thomas Tuchel’s side finished the group stage unbeaten with two wins and a draw, setting up a Round of 32 clash against one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams from Groups E, H, I, J or K.
Despite dominating possession from the opening whistle, England found Panama difficult to break down during a disciplined first-half defensive display by Thomas Christiansen’s men.
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Marcus Rashford came closest before the break, forcing goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera into a superb full-stretch save with a curling effort before later heading over from an Elliot Anderson cross.
Panama also showed flashes of attacking intent, with José Luis Rodríguez testing Jordan Pickford from a tight angle after breaking down the left flank.
England’s sustained pressure eventually paid off in the 62nd minute.
Bukayo Saka delivered a dangerous corner into the penalty area, where Jude Bellingham shrugged off his marker before expertly volleying home his second goal of the tournament to break the deadlock.
The Three Lions doubled their advantage minutes later through Harry Kane.
Bellingham turned provider with a precise cross that Kane powered into the net with a trademark header, taking his FIFA World Cup tally to 11 goals and moving him past Gary Lineker as England’s all-time leading scorer at the tournament.
Panama thought they had grabbed a late consolation when José Fajardo found the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
The Central Americans bowed out of the tournament without a point or a goal despite producing an encouraging attacking display that included several attempts on England’s goal.
For England, the victory capped an impressive group campaign following their draw with Ghana and ensured they advance to the knockout stage as Group L winners.