England and Croatia draw 2-2 at half-time as Harry Kane scores twice in World Cup opener

Harry Kane has done this before. The England captain opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with two goals in the first half against Croatia. The problem: Croatia has matched him punch for punch, and the teams went into the break level at 2-2.

The Group L match at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas is shaping up to be one of the most entertaining openers of the tournament.

A first half that refused to settle down

Kane got England on the board early, converting a penalty in the 12th minute to give Thomas Tuchel’s side the lead. Then Martin Baturina equalized in the 36th minute to drag his side back into the contest.

Kane responded almost immediately. In the 42nd minute, he rose to meet a cross with a powerful header, restoring England’s advantage.