England avoided major complications and closed the group stage of the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Panama that allowed them to secure first place in Group L and advance to the round of 32. The team led by Thomas Tuchel resolved a match that for more than an hour moved between discomfort and lack of depth, until Jude Bellingham broke the balance with a decisive appearance.

For Panama, the outcome confirmed an elimination without points and without goals scored in the tournament. The Canalero national team once again said goodbye to a World Cup, leaving a competitive image at times, although insufficient to alter the order of the group.

The match played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey had a contained start. England monopolized the ball, but faced an organized opponent, with advanced lines and a defensive structure that limited the spaces for Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.

Thomas Tuchel significantly modified the team compared to the previous draw against Ghana. He introduced five changes, with special attention to the offensive front. Marcus Rashford occupied one of the most visible places in the new scheme, while Declan Rice and Reece James were left out due to physical discomfort.

Panama also presented variations, although it maintained the collective work to contain one of the tournament's favorites as a reference.

For much of the first half, England generated approaches but without clarity. Rashford was the one who unbalanced the most on the left wing and forced constant defensive help. Bukayo Saka also appeared with some tries, while Orlando Mosquera responded with confidence.

The Central Americans maintained the tie with discipline and had one of their most dangerous actions at the feet of José Luis Rodríguez, who demanded Jordan Pickford after a hydration break marked by the rain.

Bellingham turned the tide and Kane extended the lead

The game maintained the same script after the break. Panama resisted and even renewed energy with the entry of José Fajardo, while England continued without finding clear spaces.

The resistance began to break when the physical wear and tear began to be felt. In the 62nd minute, a corner kick taken by Saka ended with a favorable deflection for Bellingham, who appeared inside the area to push the ball and open the scoring.

Five minutes later came the final blow. Bellingham himself lifted a cross into the area and found the head of Kane, who made it 0-2 and scored his third goal of the championship.

With that score, the Bayern Munich forward reached 11 goals in World Cups and became the top English scorer in the history of the tournament, surpassing Gary Lineker's record.

Panama got excited about a discount from Fajardo, but the action was annulled due to offside.

With this result, England finished first in Group L with seven points and awaits a rival for the round of 32, with Senegal among the most likely options. Croatia advanced as second after beating Ghana, while the African team remained pending as one of the best third teams in the championship.