Kane becomes England's top World Cup scorer - and now chases other greats

Published28 June 2026

Harry Kane broke Gary Lineker's record to become England's all-time leading World Cup scorer when he struck during Saturday's 2-0 win against Panama.

The Three Lions captain doubled his side's lead when headed home superbly from Jude Bellingham's cross in the second half.

The goal took Kane's overall World Cup tally to 11 goals, surpassing Lineker's total of 10.

"It is a proud one for sure," Kane told BBC Sport.

"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.

"It is always hard to take in. 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."

Lineker, who scored six times at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico and four times in Italy four years later, said recently that Kane was "the greatest English striker we've ever had".

Kane got two goals in England's opening 4-2 win against Croatia, which made him only the second England men's player to score at three different World Cups (Russia 2018, Qatar 2022 and North America 2026).

He joins former Manchester United midfielder David Beckham, who scored at the 1998, 2002 and 2006 World Cups.

Kane won the Golden Boot in Russia eight years ago with six goals, before adding two further strikes in Qatar.

He has three in total so far at this World Cup after helping England into the last 32.

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Kane breaks World Cup record as England beat Panama to top group

Kane breaks World Cup record as England beat Panama to top group

Could Kane become the World Cup's all-time top scorer?

Kane may well be England's leading World Cup scorer, but he still has some way to go to surpass the record of some of his rivals.

Argentina star Lionel Messi made history at this World Cup as his five goals so far has taken him to 18 overall - making him the tournament's all-time leading scorer as he broke the record of 16 held by Germany's Miroslav Klose.

Kane is just over six years younger than Messi - with both aiming to add to their tally at this World Cup.

The Bayern Munich striker has more goals than Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (10) at World Cups, although is four behind Brazilian Ronaldo, who has 15.

Pele's tally next in Kane's sights

Kane could very well move beyond a World Cup legend at this tournament with Brazil's Pele one ahead on 12 goals.

Pele is the only man to have won the World Cup three times, while he scored in four tournaments - 1958, 1962, 1966 and 1970.

His 12 goals came in just 16 World Cup games - the same amount of games Kane has so far played in.

Pele has a marginally better goals-per-minute ratio having averaged a goal every 105 minutes at World Cups, compared to 113 for Kane.

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FIFA World Cup 2026

England Men's Football Team

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