England secured top spot in Group L of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a 2-0 victory over Panama at the Los Angeles stadium, marking the first time the team has finished first in its group in back-to-back editions of the tournament. Thomas Tuchel's side accumulated seven points, equalling their best-ever group-stage tally, previously achieved in 2006 and 2022, according to Opta Analyst.
Unbeaten run continues
The result extended England's unbeaten run across group stages of the last two World Cups to six matches, comprising four wins and two draws. This is the first time since 2010 that England has gone unbeaten through consecutive group-stage campaigns. England opened their campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia, followed by a goalless draw with Ghana, before defeating Panama to seal top spot.
Bellingham and Kane combine for victory
After a goalless first half, Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute, reacting quickest inside the penalty area following a corner to produce a near-post finish. Six minutes later, Bellingham turned provider, delivering a cross for captain Harry Kane, who powered home a header to double England's advantage.
Kane's goal was historic, taking him to 11 FIFA World Cup goals and making him England's outright leading scorer in the competition, surpassing Gary Lineker's previous record of 10. It also moved Kane to 18 goals in major international tournaments for England, after he had drawn level with Lineker by scoring twice in the opening win over Croatia.
Panama exit without points or goals
Panama believed they had pulled one back in stoppage time, but their effort was ruled out for offside, ensuring they completed the tournament without a point or a goal. England finished first in Group L ahead of Croatia, while Ghana also progressed after already securing qualification. Panama exited at the bottom of the standings following three defeats.
