Harry Kane Sets New Record at FIFA World Cup 2026
Historic Achievement by Harry Kane
During the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup held at Dallas Stadium in Arlington on June 17, Harry Kane made headlines by breaking a world record previously shared with Lionel Messi. The England captain opened the scoring for his team with a penalty goal in the 12th minute. The goal was initially missed, but after a review by the video assistant referee (VAR), it was determined that the Croatian goalkeeper had moved off the line before Kane's kick. The 32-year-old successfully converted the second attempt, marking the first goal of this tournament and his ninth in World Cup history.
Harry Kane's Record-Breaking Performance
Kane made history by scoring his fifth penalty in World Cup matches, surpassing the previous record he shared with four other players that had stood for six decades. He had previously netted three penalties during the 2018 World Cup and scored another in the quarter-finals against France in 2022, despite missing one in that match. This achievement makes him the player with the most penalties scored in FIFA World Cup history.
Most Penalties Scored By A Player In FIFA World Cup History
| Player | Penalties scored | Penalties Taken | Years (in which penalty taken) |
| Harry Kane (England) | 5 | 6 | 2018-2026 |
| Eusebio (Portugal) | 4 | 4 | 1966 |
| Gabriel Batistuta | 4 | 4 | 1998 |
| Rob Rensenbrink | 4 | 4 | 1978 |
| Lionel Messi | 4 | 6 | 2018-2022 |
Later in the first half, Kane added to his tally with a header from a corner in the 42nd minute, bringing his total to ten goals in World Cup history. This achievement ties him with Gary Lineker for the most goals scored by an English player in the tournament, with both having netted ten times in 12 matches.