Kane strikes twice as England edge Croatia in dramatic 2026 World Cup opener

Harry Kane scored twice at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas, as England and Croatia traded blows in a breathless 2026 World Cup group-stage opener, with the match level heading into the second half before England edged ahead again early after the break.

Kane opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Croatia levelled at 1-1 in the 36th minute. The Tottenham captain restored England’s advantage in the 42nd minute, only for Croatia to equalise again on the stroke of half-time. England then scored once more early in the second period to retake the lead in a contest that refused to settle.

Back in Manchester, more than 2,000 supporters packed into Freight Island, opposite Piccadilly Station, for the ‘We Are Football Festival’ — a fanzone that bills itself as the largest of its kind in Europe. Fans in England shirts and St George’s flags had begun arriving from the afternoon, and the venue erupted when Kane converted his first-half penalty before the mood swung with each Croatian response.

The 2026 World Cup is the first edition of the expanded 48-team tournament, co-hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada. England’s group campaign continues as Gareth Southgate’s side look to build on a result that, despite the defensive lapses, showed a willingness to keep pushing forward.

Kane’s brace underlines his continued importance to the national side, and England will need to tighten up at the back if they are to progress deep into a tournament that now offers more routes to the knockout rounds than any previous edition.