Saka’s corner assist keeps Arsenal’s World Cup streak alive

Bukayo Saka became the third Arsenal player to deliver a corner assist at the 2026 World Cup on Saturday night, as England faced Panama. The assist helped England take a 1-0 lead. Saka made his first start of the tournament against Panama on Saturday, after being eased into the competition to avoid aggravating his injury. The decision gave him roughly an hour of playtime. Earlier, Saka provided an assist in his cameo appearance against Croatia in England’s opening game, despite featuring only as a substitute. He remained on the bench for the subsequent fixture against Ghana. England boss Thomas Tuchel gave Saka about an hour against Panama, and Saka left it late to break the deadlock. Just before being substituted, he found Jude Bellingham with a corner that produced the goal.

Bellingham's impact steers England into knockout round at World Cup

All three Arsenal players taking corners at this World Cup have recorded at least one assist: Martin Odegaard set up Leo Ostigard for Norway, and Declan Rice assisted Harry Kane for England. Their contributions underline Arsenal’s influence from set‑pieces. Arsenal also saw Leandro Trossard score from a corner situation, turning home after a Belgium corner against New Zealand. That goal added to the club’s World Cup corner record. In seven World Cup appearances, Saka has scored three goals, provided two assists, and won a penalty that led to a goal in England’s 2022 quarter‑final against France. His overall World Cup tally reflects a strong tournament pedigree.

England’s slow awakening: Bellingham and Kane unlock Panama in second half

Statistically, Saka registers a goal or assist every 80 minutes at the World Cup; excluding the penalty he won, his contribution improves to one every 67 minutes. These per‑minute figures highlight his efficiency. The knockout stage looms, promising tougher opposition. Saka, who never shied away from knockout matches and last scored in the 2022 last‑16, could find his first goal of the tournament against D.R. Congo.