FIFA World Cup 2026 (Group L)
England 4-2 Croatia (Harry Kane (9′ pen, 42′), Jude Bellingham (47′), Marcus Rashford (85′),
Martin Baturina (36′), Petar Musa (45+)
Boston, United States: England kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in style with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia on Wednesday night, as captain Harry Kane scored twice to lead the Three Lions to an important opening win in Group L.
In an entertaining contest packed with goals, momentum swings and attacking football, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also got on the scoresheet as Thomas Tuchel’s side overcame a stubborn Croatian challenge to claim all three points.
England made a bright start and were rewarded inside nine minutes when Noni Madueke was brought down in the penalty area by Croatia captain Luka Modric.
Kane’s first penalty was brilliantly saved by Dominik Livakovic, but after a retake was ordered, the Bayern Munich striker made no mistake with his second attempt to hand England an early lead.
Croatia refused to be intimidated and gradually grew into the game. Their persistence paid off in the 36th minute when Martin Baturina unleashed a powerful effort beyond Jordan Pickford to level the scores.
The parity lasted only six minutes.
England regained the lead through Kane, who rose highest to head home from a Declan Rice corner and restore the Three Lions’ advantage.
But the drama was far from over.
Just before halftime, veteran winger Ivan Perisic delivered a dangerous ball into the box which found Petar Musa, who finished from close range to send the sides into the break locked at 2-2.
England emerged from the dressing room with renewed energy and reclaimed the lead just two minutes after the restart.
Bellingham showcased his world-class quality with a brilliant individual run before calmly slotting past Livakovic to make it 3-2 and put England back in control.
The Real Madrid midfielder’s goal shifted momentum firmly in England’s favour as Croatia struggled to contain the Three Lions’ attacking threat.
England continued pressing for a fourth goal and eventually got it five minutes from time. Bukayo Saka found substitute Marcus Rashford with a perfectly weighted pass, allowing the Manchester United forward to finish clinically and seal victory.
The result gives England an early advantage in Group L and continues their impressive record of opening-match performances at major tournaments.
For Kane, the brace marked another milestone in his international career as he once again delivered on football’s biggest stage.
Croatia, meanwhile, will be left frustrated after twice fighting back into the contest only to leave empty-handed. The 2018 World Cup finalists now face increased pressure to secure positive results in their remaining group fixtures to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.
England will now turn their attention to a potentially tricky clash against Ghana, while Croatia look to bounce back and revive their campaign.
The victory places the Three Lions among the early pace-setters as they seek to end their long wait for a second FIFA World Cup crown.
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