- Kane’s late double breaks brave DR Congo hearts as England reach last 16
Harry Kane produced another defining World Cup moment as England survived a major scare to beat DR Congo 2-1 in a dramatic Round of 32 clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The England captain scored twice in the final 15 minutes at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium to rescue Thomas Tuchel’s side from the brink of a stunning elimination and send the Three Lions into the Round of 16, where they will face hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.
For long spells, however, this was not England’s night. It belonged to a fearless DR Congo side that played with courage, tactical discipline and attacking ambition, coming within minutes of producing one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
Sébastien Desabre’s men were composed, organised and bold, refusing to sit deep against one of football’s traditional powerhouses. Instead, the Leopards passed with confidence, pressed intelligently and unsettled England with their movement and speed in transition.
Their reward came after just seven minutes.
DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba picked out Brian Cipenga with a superb diagonal pass that exposed England’s defensive line. Cipenga controlled the ball at the far post and struck powerfully beyond Jordan Pickford to give the African side a deserved early lead.
The goal stunned England and energised DR Congo, who continued to play with belief rather than retreat into survival mode.
England looked rattled by the early setback, struggling to find rhythm in midfield and failing to impose themselves against a Congolese side that appeared sharper and more settled. DR Congo’s confidence grew with every passing minute, and they nearly doubled their advantage when Yoane Wissa’s effort clipped the outside of the post.
At that stage, England were not merely behind; they were being outplayed.
Jude Bellingham tried to drag England back into the contest, but DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi produced one of the finest individual performances of the tournament to keep the Three Lions at bay.
The France-born goalkeeper denied Bellingham twice with outstanding reflex saves and later frustrated Kane with another brilliant stop as England searched desperately for a response.
By half-time, DR Congo had done more than defend an early goal. They had announced themselves as a side capable of matching England physically, technically and mentally.
Tuchel’s team returned after the break with greater urgency, pushing higher and committing more bodies forward. England began to dominate territory, but DR Congo remained dangerous, defending with discipline and breaking with pace when opportunities appeared.
Mpasi continued to stand between England and a possible early exit, commanding his area and frustrating wave after wave of attacks.
But the pressure finally told in the 75th minute.
Anthony Gordon found space on the left and delivered a teasing cross into the area. Kane rose highest and powered a downward header beyond Mpasi to bring England level.
After producing save after save, the Congolese goalkeeper could do little to stop the England captain’s finish.
The equaliser shifted the energy of the contest. England suddenly sensed victory, while DR Congo, having carried the game for so long, were forced into a painful final spell of resistance.
The Leopards fought bravely to take the match into extra time, but Kane had one more decisive act left.
Four minutes from the end of normal time, the England captain received the ball with his back to goal, twisted away from several defenders and created just enough space to unleash a fierce right-footed strike into the roof of the net.
It was a finish of elite quality and a goal worthy of the occasion.
The strike completed England’s comeback, broke Congolese hearts and moved Kane ahead of Brazilian legend Pelé in the all-time FIFA World Cup scoring charts with 13 tournament goals.
For England, the victory extends their campaign and keeps alive hopes of lifting the World Cup. But Tuchel will know that his side survived a serious warning.
England were second best for much of the contest, particularly in the first half, and were rescued not by collective dominance but by the quality and leadership of their captain.
Kane’s late double reinforced his reputation as one of the greatest tournament forwards of his generation, but England will need a sharper, more balanced performance against Mexico, who will have the advantage of home support at the Estadio Azteca.
For DR Congo, the defeat was painful but not dishonourable.
The Leopards leave the World Cup with immense credit after a campaign that has lifted their profile and earned admiration across the football world. Their performance against England was fearless, disciplined and ambitious, showing that they are emerging as one of Africa’s rising football forces.
Mpasi’s goalkeeping display will be remembered as one of the standout individual performances of the knockout stage, while Cipenga’s early goal gave DR Congo a moment that will live long in the country’s football memory.
They came close to history. They came close to eliminating England. They came close to announcing one of the greatest nights in Congolese football.
But against Harry Kane, close was not enough.
England march on to the last 16, but only after surviving one of the sternest tests of their World Cup campaign.
DR Congo bow out with pride, belief and global respect.
And Kane, once again, leaves a World Cup night carrying England on his shoulders.
