Harry Kane prepares for critical World Cup and Ballon d’Or week
The Guardian Sport • 2 min read • Latest: Jul 14, 2026, 10:45 AM
Last updated Jul 14, 2026

Harry Kane is set to face Argentina in a pivotal World Cup match on July 19. Following this, he will contend for the Ballon d’Or against Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, or Lamine Yamal. Kane's strong season includes 73 goals in 64 matches for Bayern Munich and England. He is driven by a desire to cement his legacy with big performances on these stages. Success in this week's matches could propel him to new heights in his career.
- •Kane to face Argentina on July 19 in the World Cup
- •Competing for Ballon d’Or with Messi, Mbappé, or Yamal
- •Has scored 73 goals in 64 matches this season
- •A win could lead to England's first World Cup final abroad
- •Kane's performance critical for his legacy as an all-time great
- 10:45 AMThe Guardian Sport — World Cup and Ballon d’Or in reach as Harry Kane enters defining week of his career
"The striker is driven by a sense of destiny but to be remembered as an all-time great outside England requires big-game performances Five days to win the Ballon d’Or. The way to do it: outshine Lionel Messi in Atlanta, then see off Kylian Mbappé or Lamine Yamal on Sunday. For Harry Kane, nothing will come without a fight. The England captain was doubted when he was a kid, back when the youth coaches at Tottenham wondered if it was worth keeping him, and he faces another seismic battle against Argentina on Wednesday. This could be the crowning moment of Kane’s career. The Bayern Munich striker has enjoyed the season of his life, with more domestic trophies in the bag and 73 goals in 64 appearances for club and country. There are more steps to take, though. The chance to lead England into a first World Cup final abroad is within reach. All Kane has to do to is outperform the greatest footballer of all time. Continue reading...
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