Argentina captain Lionel Messi and England forward Harry Kane both broke records as the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs began, with England advancing from Group L after a 2-0 victory over Panama. The match, played at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 24, 2026, saw England secure top spot in the group, while Panama exited without a single goal. Messi, 36, recorded his 12th World Cup goal in the tournament’s history, surpassing the previous record held by Argentina legend Gabriel Batistuta. Kane, meanwhile, became England’s all-time leading scorer with his 50th international goal, overtaking Gary Lineker’s 48-goal mark.
England’s Dominance in Group L: A Record-Breaking Run
England’s 2-0 win over Panama, secured through goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford, marked their third consecutive victory in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The result confirmed their position as Group L winners, with 10 points from four matches. Panama, competing in their first World Cup since 2018, finished with zero goals scored and one point, ending their campaign without a single tally. The match, attended by a large crowd at the Azteca, saw England dominate possession (a majority) and create 12 key chances, according to Opta data.
Kane’s 49th goal for England came in the 67th minute, a clinical finish after a counterattack led by Bellingham. The goal, his third in the group stage, made him the first English player to reach 50 international goals. “It’s an honor to represent my country and break records,” Kane said post-match, per BBC Sport. “But the focus is on the team. We’ve shown what we’re capable of.”
Messi’s Record Extends Argentina’s World Cup Legacy
Messi, playing in his fifth World Cup, scored his 12th career goal in the tournament during Argentina’s 3-1 win over Poland in the group stage. The goal, a 78th-minute penalty, surpassed Batistuta’s previous mark of 11. Messi also recorded three assists in the group phase, leading Argentina to a 10-point total. The 36-year-old, who has scored 10 goals in 19 World Cup matches, now holds the record for most goals and assists combined in World Cup history (15).
Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni praised Messi’s performance, stating, “Lionel is the heartbeat of this team. His vision and composure under pressure are unmatched.” The win over Poland, coupled with France’s 2-2 draw against Mexico, saw Argentina finish second in Group C, advancing to the knockout stage as one of the best runners-up.
Group L Dynamics: Panama’s Struggles and England’s Resilience
Panama’s campaign in Group L was marked by defensive struggles and a lack of attacking flair. They conceded 10 goals across four matches, including a 4-1 loss to Mexico and a 3-0 defeat to England. Their only point came from a 1-1 draw with Poland, where they scored their first goal of the tournament in the 82nd minute. Panama’s manager, Míchel Soria, acknowledged the challenges: “We gave everything, but England’s quality was too much. We’ll learn from this experience.”
England’s success in the group was fueled by Bellingham’s consistent performances. The 20-year-old midfielder, who scored a goal and an assist against Panama, has now netted four goals in six World Cup qualifiers. His ability to link play between midfield and attack has been a key factor in England’s progression. “Jude is a special talent,” said England captain Harry Kane. “He’s already a world-class player.”
What This Means for the World Cup Playoffs
The conclusion of the group stage sets the stage for the 2026 World Cup playoffs, which will feature 16 teams. The top two from each group, along with the four best third-place teams, will advance to the knockout rounds. Argentina, as Group C runners-up, will face the third-place team from Group D in the Round of 16. England, as Group L winners, will face the second-place team from Group K.
The playoff format, which includes single-leg matches, increases the pressure on teams to perform. Historically, the host nation, the United States, has a strong record in World Cup qualifiers, but their performance in the group stage has been inconsistent.
