World Cup · Jun 27, 2026 · 21:00 · MetLife Stadium
Final score: Panama 0–2 England
Match preview
England kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign on June 27 against Panama, a fixture that, on paper, appears to be a comfortable start for Gareth Southgate's men. While both nations enter the tournament with a clean slate in terms of current form, the historical head-to-head paints a stark picture, with England comprehensively defeating Panama 6-1 in their only prior encounter. This historical dominance will undoubtedly fuel English confidence, but Panama will be keen to demonstrate their growth since that humbling defeat.
The Three Lions will look to establish an early rhythm and secure maximum points, setting the tone for their group stage ambitions. Panama, on the other hand, will aim for a disciplined performance, hoping to frustrate their more fancied opponents and perhaps snatch a surprise result. The key narrative will revolve around whether England can translate their superior individual quality into a commanding team performance, or if Panama can spring one of the tournament's early upsets through resilience and tactical astuteness. Watch for England's attacking fluency against Panama's likely defensive fortitude.
22. O. Mosquera, 23. M. Murillo, 13. J. Ramos, 3. J. Cordoba, 16. A. Andrade, 2. C. Blackman, 6. C. Martinez, 14. C. Harvey, 11. Y. Barcenas, 7. J. Rodriguez, 17. J. Fajardo
1. J. Pickford, 24. R. James, 2. E. Konsa, 6. M. Guehi, 25. D. Spence, 8. E. Anderson, 4. D. Rice, 20. N. Madueke, 10. J. Bellingham, 18. A. Gordon, 9. H. Kane
Match events
46' subst Substitution 1 — T. Rodriguez (Panama) (assists: J. Fajardo)
53' Card Yellow Card — J. Fajardo (Panama)
60' Card Yellow Card — J. Quansah (England)
62' Goal Normal Goal — J. Bellingham (England) (assists: B. Saka)
63' subst Substitution 1 — J. Quansah (England) (assists: D. Spence)
63' subst Substitution 2 — B. Saka (England) (assists: N. Madueke)
67' Goal Normal Goal — H. Kane (England) (assists: J. Bellingham)
71' subst Substitution 2 — Y. Barcenas (Panama) (assists: I. Diaz)
71' subst Substitution 3 — J. Rodriguez (Panama) (assists: A. Londono)
71' subst Substitution 3 — J. Bellingham (England) (assists: E. Eze)
84' subst Substitution 4 — H. Kane (England) (assists: O. Watkins)
84' subst Substitution 5 — E. Anderson (England) (assists: J. Henderson)
84' Card Yellow Card — A. Andrade (Panama)
88' subst Substitution 4 — C. Harvey (Panama) (assists: A. Quintero)
88' subst Substitution 5 — J. Gutierrez (Panama) (assists: E. Davis)
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