On Saturday, England secured a decisive 2-0 victory against Panama at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, concluding the Group L stage of the 2026 World Cup. With this win, England ascended to the top of their group, accumulating 7 points across three matches.
The first half of the match was evenly contested, with neither team creating significant scoring opportunities. However, the dynamics shifted after the break, as England capitalized on openings to seal the game.
Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute by slotting in a low ball in the area, assisted by a corner kick from Bukayo Saka. Just five minutes later, Harry Kane doubled the lead with a powerful header, leaving the Panamanian goalkeeper with no chance and setting the final score at 0-2.
The match statistics clearly highlighted England's dominance throughout the ninety minutes: they controlled 67% of possession compared to Panama's 33%, attempted 16 shots versus 12, and had 6 on-target shots against Panama's mere two. England also led in corners, with six compared to Panama's two.
In terms of discipline, Panama received two yellow cards—J. Fajardo in the 53rd minute and A. Andrade in the 84th—while England had one caution, issued to J. Quansah in the 60th, who was then substituted in the 63rd minute.
Panama ended their World Cup 2026 campaign without earning a point or scoring a goal in their three matches, resulting in a goal difference of -4. This marked Panama's second World Cup appearance, echoing their 2018 debut in Russia, where they also suffered a defeat against England, that time by a score of 6-1.
In a concurrent match held in Philadelphia, Croatia triumphed over Ghana 2-1, securing the second spot in the group with six points. Ghana advanced to the next round as one of the best third-placed teams, having accumulated four points.
The final standings for Group L placed England at the top with 7 points (two wins and a draw, with six goals scored and two conceded), followed by Croatia with six, Ghana with four, and Panama with none.
England's Group Stage Performance in World Cup 2026
How did England perform in their group stage matches?
England topped Group L with 7 points, securing two victories and one draw, scoring six goals while conceding two.
What was Panama's performance in the 2026 World Cup?
Panama did not earn any points or score any goals in their three matches, finishing with a goal difference of -4.
Who advanced from Group L in the World Cup 2026?
England and Croatia advanced from Group L, with Ghana moving forward as one of the best third-placed teams.