Kane Misses Open Goal, England Held to Goalless Draw by Ghana

In the second round of Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, England faced Ghana. Despite dominating possession with nearly 80% of the ball, the Three Lions failed to break through their opponents' defense, resulting in a 0-0 stalemate.

From the outset, England completely overwhelmed their opponents, controlling the tempo of the match. In the first half, England's possession rate approached 80%, but they struggled to create clear-cut chances against Ghana's compact defense, registering zero shots on target. Ghana focused entirely on defending, failing to attempt a single shot in the first half. The teams went into halftime locked at 0-0.

England continued to apply pressure in the second half. In the 86th minute, the best chance of the match emerged: Reece James delivered a cross from the right, and substitute O'Riley headed the ball from close range, only to see it crash off the crossbar. Harry Kane then had an open goal to aim for with his left foot but uncharacteristically blazed the ball over the bar, squandering the golden opportunity. The match ended 0-0, leaving England to settle for a draw.