Harry Kane's brace secures England's comeback win over DR Congo
England avoided an upset after Harry Kane's late brace overturned an early deficit against DR Congo. The team now advances to face Mexico in the round of 16.
England’s advance to the World Cup 2026 last‑16 hinged on a two‑goal surge from captain Harry Kane in the closing stages of an otherwise precarious round‑of‑32 clash in Atlanta. The 2‑1 reversal not only rescued the Three Lions from what many pundits called a “seismic shock” but also thrust them into a high‑stakes duel with co‑hosts Mexico, a match that could define England’s long‑awaited quest for a major trophy.
Brian Cipenga gave DR Congo an early lead in the seventh minute, threading a low, hard strike past Jordan Pickford after a cross from Chancel Mbemba. The scoreboard stayed 1‑0 for more than an hour, with the Congolese keeper Lionel Mpasi pulling off a string of “incredible” saves that kept England on the back foot.
Media additions
"It was just about pounding the rock, keep pounding the rock and our moment would come."
Harry Kane, captain, via Aljazeera
Gordon’s cross found Kane at the edge of the box in the 75th minute. A powerful header levelled the game, marking Kane’s 13th World Cup finals goal and moving him past Pele on the all‑time list.
Eleven minutes later, the captain turned sharply, evading his marker and unleashing a powerful drive into the roof of the net. The goal, his 13th in World Cup history, cemented England’s 2‑1 victory and sent a collective wave of relief through the 68,239‑strong crowd.
"You have to stay patient in these games. The last couple of games were very similar. In knockout football, the pressure and stakes are higher."
Harry Kane, captain, via TheScore
Key moments (minute‑by‑minute)
- 7' – Brian Cipenga (DR Congo) scores after Mbemba’s cross.
- 75' – Kane heads home Gordon’s cross (equaliser).
- 86' – Kane’s second, a right‑footed strike into the roof of the net (winner).
Both Tuchel and Kane praised the defending‑side’s resilience. Tuchel told reporters, “We have to have that mindset. If it is getting hard, don’t lose patience, don’t lose belief,” while Kane singled out Mpasi’s “incredible” performance for special mention.
What the experts say
Fox News highlighted the rarity of an English side overturning an early deficit in a World Cup knockout match, noting the only previous instance was the 1966 final against West Germany.
Deccan Chronicle, writing for a South Asian audience, framed the victory as a “dramatic comeback” while also noting the psychological boost ahead of the next test against Mexico.
Opposition profile
DR Congo entered the tournament on the back of a historic group‑stage run, securing their first World Cup point and goal only weeks earlier. Their captain, Chancel Mbemba, and winger Yoane Wissa (who netted three goals in the group stage) were cited by multiple sources as the main threats. Despite the loss, commentators from GMA Network praised Mpasi’s “outstanding saves” and hailed the Leopards for giving England a “giant scare.”
What’s next for England
All outlets agree that England now travel to Mexico City for the round‑of‑16 clash. The fixture will be held at the Estadio Azteca.
Reader’s quick guide
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Score | England 2 – 1 DR Congo |
| Goal‑scorers | Brian Cipenga (7'), Harry Kane (75', 86') |
| Attendance | 68,239 (official count) |
| Next opponent | Mexico (Estadio Azteca) |
