Harry Kane’s Landmark Achievement at the 2026 World Cup
During England’s match against Croatia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, striker Harry Kane set a new record for the most penalty kicks converted in World Cup history. Kane calmly slotted home his fifth spot-kick, moving him past a group of football legends. Previously, he had shared the top spot with icons such as Eusébio (Portugal), Rob Rensenbrink (Netherlands), Gabriel Batistuta (Argentina), and Lionel Messi (Argentina), the latter also competing in this tournament.
Match Summary
England emerged victorious with a 4-2 win. In the first half, Kane opened the scoring in the 12th minute, but Mario Pašalić set up Martin Baturina to equalize in the 36th minute. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Ivan Perišić laid the ball off for Petar Musa to put Croatia ahead. However, England responded swiftly, with Kane netting again in the 42nd minute to level the score before the break.
The second half started brightly for England, as Jude Bellingham scored in the 47th minute to give his side the lead. Marcus Rashford then sealed the win in the 85th minute, finishing off a pass from Bukayo Saka. After a tense first half that ended 2-2, England’s resilience and quality shone through in the second period.
- 2026 FIFA World Cup – Group Stage, Group L
- England 4-2 Croatia (2-2 at halftime)
- Goals: Kane (12’, 42’), Bellingham (47’), Rashford (85’) – Baturina (36’), Musa (45+5’)
Kane’s record-breaking feat highlights his immense value to England on the international stage. This match not only showcased individual brilliance but also demonstrated the team’s unity and fighting spirit. Despite a challenging first half, England showed their strength and character after the break. With Group L remaining highly competitive, such victories could prove crucial for England’s progression in the tournament.
In addition to Kane's remarkable achievement, England's overall performance against Croatia was a testament to their strength as a team. For a detailed breakdown of how the match unfolded and the key moments that led to this impressive victory, check out our coverage of England's dominant display in the group stage against Croatia.