Harry Kane breaks England World Cup record with 11th goal vs Panama
Synopsis
Harry Kane needed just one header off a Bellingham cross to rewrite English football history — 11 World Cup goals, 36 years of Lineker's record erased, and the striker already eyeing more. At 32, with England through as Group L winners, Kane's 2026 campaign is shaping up as the defining chapter of a record-breaking international career.
Key Takeaways
Harry Kane scored his 11th FIFA World Cup goal against Panama on 28 June 2026 , breaking Gary Lineker's record held for 36 years .
The goal came via a Jude Bellingham cross at the New York New Jersey Stadium .
Kane now has 82 international goals in 117 appearances for England.
England finished top of Group L with the win.
Kane's World Cup goals span three tournaments: 6 at Russia 2018 , 2 at Qatar 2022 , and now 3+ at USA 2026 .
Harry Kane etched his name deeper into the record books on 28 June 2026, scoring his 11th FIFA World Cup goal to surpass Gary Lineker's long-standing record for the most World Cup goals by an England men's player. The milestone came as England secured top spot in Group L at the New York New Jersey Stadium, with Kane heading in from a Jude Bellingham cross following a corner.
The Record-Breaking Moment
Bellingham first volleyed in from a corner before turning provider, delivering the cross that Kane converted with a header. The goal, scored on Kane's 117th appearance for England, broke a record that Lineker had held for 36 years. The Bayern Munich striker now stands on 82 international goals in total, continuing to extend his lead as England men's senior team's all-time top scorer.
Kane's Reaction: Proud But Hungry for More
'It is a proud one for sure,' Kane said after the match. 'I spoke before the tournament about the World Cup being the biggest competition we play as professional footballers, so to get to 11 goals is a proud feeling.' The 32-year-old was quick to keep focus on the collective, adding: 'I just want to enjoy this moment with the team, enjoy being top of the table. I never take these moments for granted. Another good milestone to hit and I hope it is not the last one in this tournament.'
England's World Cup Journey So Far
Kane's World Cup story began at Russia 2018, where England reached the semi-finals and he shared the Golden Boot with Lineker's tally matched at six goals. He added two more at Qatar 2022, with strikes against Senegal and France, before arriving at the 2026 edition needing just three to break the record — a target he has now surpassed.
Kane Assesses Panama Encounter
Despite the historic occasion, Kane acknowledged that Panama presented genuine difficulties. 'It was a solid performance again against a tricky side. They have fast, tricky players and had moments,' he said. He conceded England were 'a little bit sloppy in the final third' in the first half but improved after the break. 'Overall we controlled it pretty well. We would have liked to see out the game a little bit easier,' he added.
What's Next for Kane and England
With England finishing top of Group L, they advance to the knockout rounds carrying genuine momentum. Kane's appetite for more milestones signals that the record-breaking is far from over — and England's campaign, and his personal tally, will only grow in the rounds ahead.
Point of View
With England still in the tournament. The more pointed question is whether the team can build a campaign worthy of the individual brilliance on show. England's own admission of first-half sloppiness against Panama is a warning: in the knockout rounds, Kane's goals will only matter if the team around him holds its shape.
NationPress
28 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What record did Harry Kane break at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Harry Kane broke Gary Lineker's record for the most World Cup goals by an England men's player, reaching 11 goals with his header against Panama on 28 June 2026. Lineker had held the record for 36 years.
How many goals does Harry Kane have for England in total?
Kane now has 82 international goals for England in 117 appearances, continuing to extend his lead as the country's all-time top scorer in men's senior football.
How did Kane score his record-breaking 11th World Cup goal?
Jude Bellingham first volleyed in from a corner and then provided the cross for Kane to head home at the New York New Jersey Stadium, giving England top spot in Group L.
What was Harry Kane's World Cup record before the 2026 tournament?
Kane scored 6 goals at Russia 2018, winning the Golden Boot, and added 2 more at Qatar 2022 against Senegal and France, bringing his tally to 8 before the 2026 edition.
What did Harry Kane say after breaking the record?
Kane said it was 'a proud one for sure' and emphasised he never takes such moments for granted. He added: 'I hope it is not the last one in this tournament,' signalling his ambition to keep scoring in the knockout rounds.
