Harry Kane Shatters Records with 70 Goals in FIFA World Cup 2026
Kane's Remarkable Achievement
In New Jersey, on June 28, England's captain Harry Kane has made headlines by netting 70 goals during the 2025-26 season, surpassing the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo and placing him just behind Lionel Messi in the record books for the most goals scored in a single season in the 21st century, as reported by a popular sports account on X.
Lionel Messi holds the record for the most goals in a single season with 82, achieved in the 2011-12 season, and he also scored 69 goals in the following season. Cristiano Ronaldo appears on the list twice, with 69 goals in 2011-12 and 66 in 2014-15. Kane's impressive goal tally underscores a remarkable season, positioning him among the elite scorers in contemporary football.
Kane reached his 70-goal milestone during England's final group-stage match against Panama in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 on Saturday (local time).
After a competitive first half against Panama, England broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute, thanks to Jude Bellingham. The midfielder capitalized on a corner, executing a clever near-post finish to give England the lead.
Just six minutes later, Bellingham assisted Kane with a well-placed cross, allowing the captain to head the ball into the net, thus increasing his season total to 70 goals.
This goal was significant for Kane as it marked his 11th goal in FIFA World Cup history, making him England's all-time leading scorer in the tournament, surpassing Gary Lineker's previous record of 10 goals. Additionally, this brought Kane's total to 18 goals in major international tournaments for England, having previously equaled Lineker's record by scoring twice in the opening match against Croatia.
Panama believed they had scored a late goal during stoppage time, but it was disallowed for offside, leaving them without a point or a goal in the tournament. England concluded their FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage journey on a high note, defeating Panama 2-0 and finishing at the top of their group for the second consecutive tournament.
Under Thomas Tuchel's management, England wrapped up Group L with seven points, matching their best-ever group-stage performance in World Cup history, previously achieved in 2006 and 2022, according to Opta Analyst.
England kicked off their campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia, followed by a goalless draw against Ghana, and secured their top position with the win over Panama. They finished ahead of Croatia, while Ghana also advanced to the knockout stage. Panama ended their group stage with three consecutive losses.