The English team is ahead in the clash against Panama, leading 2-0 in a thrilling match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, played in New Jersey. The game, which is still ongoing, had an eventful second half, with England taking the lead with goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. Striker Harry Kane, in particular, reached a historic milestone, becoming the English player with the most goals in World Cups and being just one short of equaling Pelé. Follow the details and the most important moments of this match.
Initial protocols and 2018 memory
Before kick-off, a minute’s silence was observed in memory of the victims of the recent earthquakes in Venezuela, adding a solemn tone to the event. For fans, the match brought back memories of England’s rout of Panama in the 2018 World Cup, a moment revisited by many. The refereeing team for the duel is led by Abdulrahman Al Jassim, from Qatar, assisted by Taleb Al Marri and Saoud Al Maqaleh, also from Qatar, with Sandro Schärer, from Switzerland, as fourth referee and Juan Lara, from Chile, at VAR. The national anthems of Panama and England were sung, while rain fell in New Jersey. The teams then entered the pitch for pre-game rituals, with the Panamanian fans showing great enthusiasm.
The first half: English dominance and Panamanian resistance
The initial stage of the match began with Panama showing proactivity, with Tomás Rodríguez risking the first shot after 11 seconds, saved by Pickford. England, in turn, quickly took possession of the ball, looking for spaces in the opponent’s field. Throws with Bellingham, Saka and Rashford tested goalkeeper Mosquera, who was attentive. Panama also had its opportunities, with Bárcenas taking a dangerous free kick and Puma Rodríguez missing a good chance. Despite the English dominance in possession, Panama demonstrated surprising resistance, managing to trouble the opposing defense at times. A hydration break marked the middle of the first half, which ended with the score zero in New Jersey, after Rashford’s free kick went close to the Panamanian goal in stoppage time. There was even confusion with the uniforms, which made it difficult for some fans to identify the players. A key update from Group L indicated that England would be dropping to second place due to a partial victory for Croatia in another game.
The game in progress: second half with goals and Kane’s record
The second half brought changes for Panama, with Fajardo replacing Tomás Rodríguez. England returned unchanged. In the first minutes, the match continued with intense plays and some stops for medical care, including for Cristian Martínez and Quansah, who received a yellow card. In the 10th minute, Puma Rodríguez almost surprised Pickford with a placed shot. At 12, Kane finished strong, but goalkeeper Mosquera made a great save.
Minute by minute: key plays until 39′ of the second half
- 16′ 2nd Q:England goal! Bellingham, number 10, stretches his leg after Saka’s corner kick and opens the scoring, putting England at the provisional lead of the group.
- 18′ 2nd Q:Changes in England: Spence replaces Quansah, and Madueke replaces Saka. Murillo, from Panama, risks a shot in the area that goes through the baseline.
- 21′ 2nd Q:England goal! Harry Kane extends the lead with a precise header after a beautiful cross from Bellingham, who dribbled past the marker on the left.
- 23′ 2nd Q:Hydration break. The moment is crucial for Panama to attempt a tactical reorganization.
- 26′ 2nd Q:New substitutions: Eze enters for Bellingham in England, while Ismael Díaz and Londoño enter for Bárcenas and Puma Rodríguez in Panama. Harry Kane reaches the mark of eleven goals in World Cups.
- 32′ 2nd Q:Harry Kane makes history by becoming the English player with the most goals in World Cups, approaching Pelé’s mark.
- 34′ 2nd Q:The rain in New Jersey intensifies again, influencing the pace of the game.
- 37′ 2nd Q:England prepares two more substitutions, seeking to maintain the pace and advantage on the scoreboard.
The match remains electrifying, with England managing the advantage, while Panama tries to find spaces to react, even under the intensifying rain in New Jersey. To ensure you don’t miss any details of what’s yet to come in this match, follow all the plays, goals and decisive moments in real time by accessing www.mixvale.com. Subscribe to Mix Vale notifications for free and receive the news instantly, directly on your device, and stay up to date with all the moves from your favorite team!