England vs DR Congo, FIFA World Cup result: Harry Kane’s late brace saves England in round of 16

England’s Harry Kane (9) celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal next to teammate Jude Bellingham (10) during the World Cup 32 match between England and Congo in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) England survived one of the biggest scares of the 2026 World Cup after Harry Kane struck twice in the final 15 minutes to complete a dramatic 2-1 comeback against fearless DR Congo in the round of 32 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Brian Cipenga’s early opener threatened one of the tournament’s biggest upsets before Kane’s late strike kept Thomas Tuchel’s side alive and booked a place in the last 16 against co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca.For much of the evening, England looked destined for an embarrassing early exit. DR Congo defended with discipline, attacked with conviction and frustrated one of the favorites of the tournament for more than an hour. England eventually prevailed thanks to sustained pressure, but only after surviving 75 tense minutes in which the African side looked capable of producing a result that would reverberate throughout the World Cup.

DR Congo stunned England with a fearless first-half display

England entered the knockout stages as overwhelming favorites after progressing through the group stages, but DR Congo showed from the opening whistle that they did not travel to Atlanta just to add to their numbers. The underdogs stayed compact without the ball and quickly surged forward whenever possession changed, refusing to allow England’s midfield to dictate the pace, although the Three Lions eventually finished with 54% possession and an excellent passing accuracy of 92%.The breakthrough came after just seven minutes and exposed the insecurities of England’s defence. Chancel Mbemba was quickest to react to win possession deep in his own half before immediately driving forward to free play down the right. As the England back line struggled to regain their shape, Mbemba sent a dangerous low cross into the penalty area. Brian Cipenga anticipated the delivery perfectly, drifting between defenders before taking a level touch and finishing low behind Jordan Pickford to silence the England supporters.

Brian Cipenga (9) of Congo celebrates after scoring his first goal during the World Cup Round of 32 soccer match between England and Congo in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

The goal changed the face of the competition. England monopolized possession but were repeatedly frustrated by DR Congo’s organized defensive unit. Lionel Mpasi produced an exceptional first half in goal, confidently commanding his space and repeatedly denying England from close range. Harry Kane thought he deserved a penalty after coming under pressure inside the box, but the referee overruled the appeal and VAR upheld the decision on the pitch, leaving Tuchel visibly frustrated on the touchline as England trailed at the break.

England increased the pressure as DR Congo refused to buckle

England came back with more urgency after the restart, pinning DR Congo in their own half for long stretches. The stats increasingly reflected England’s territorial control as they finished with 16 shots, eight of which forced saves, while DR Congo managed seven attempts with two on target. However, despite England’s large number of attacks, DR Congo continued to defend with remarkable commitment.

Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi (1) makes a save during the World Cup 32 match between England and Congo in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Mpasi remained outstanding throughout the second half, repeatedly frustrating England’s forwards as wave after wave of attacks came. Bukayo Saka went closest when his effort hit the crossbar, while Jude Bellingham saw a header flash just wide. DR Congo continued to break through whenever the opportunity presented itself, claiming three corners during dangerous spells while England finished with five.

England’s Jude Bellingham goes in for a header as Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi makes a block during a World Cup 32 match in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

The physical nature of the competition has also intensified. DR Congo committed 12 fouls in an attempt to disrupt England’s rhythm compared to England’s nine, with Noah Sadiki yellow carded for a cynical challenge before Bellingham was also booked as tempers flared briefly during England’s increasingly desperate push for an equaliser.

Gordon changes the game before Kane makes more World Cup history

Realizing that England’s attacks had become predictable, Tuchel introduced Anthony Gordon during the closing stages and the tactical switch instantly changed the match. Gordon’s direct run stretched a tiring DR Congo defense and finally created the width England had struggled to create all evening.

England’s Harry Kane (9) scores his team’s first goal during the World Cup Round of 32 soccer match between England and Congo in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

The equalizer came in the 75th minute with a beautifully constructed loop. Gordon darted down the left wing before whipping home an inviting cross into the six-yard box. Kane timed his move brilliantly, peeling away from his marker before curling a diving header past a helpless Mpasi to finally end DR Congo’s remarkable resistance.

England’s Harry Kane (9) scores his team’s second goal during the World Cup Round of 32 soccer match between England and Congo in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

England continued to press for the winners as the momentum swung in their favour. Eleven minutes later, Gordon again proved decisive. After England recycled possession from a partially clear corner, the winger delivered another dangerous ball into the crowded penalty area. Kane was quickest to react in the jam, creating plenty of space to turn before unleashing a ferocious finish high into the top-right corner in the 86th minute to complete the comeback and send England through to the last eight.

England’s Harry Kane (9) celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal alongside teammate Jude Bellingham (10) and Anthony Gordon (18) during the World Cup 32 match between England and Congo in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Kane climbs the all-time charts as England survive

Kane’s decisive brace had significance far beyond England’s qualification. His two goals took his career World Cup tally to 13, moving him ahead of Pelé in the tournament’s all-time scoring record. They also took him to five goals at the 2026 World Cup, bringing him level with Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot rankings, leaving only Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé behind, who continue to lead the race.The England captain also cemented his place among his country’s top performers at the World Cup. His knock-out tally now stands at five goals, moving him into sole possession of second place in England’s World Cup knock-out points tally behind only Gary Lineker with six, while he remains ahead of Sir Geoff Hurst, who has kicked four.England eventually progressed, but only after one of the sternest tests they have faced in years. DR Congo left the tournament with huge credit after pushing one of the favorites to the brink of elimination, while England marched in knowing a much sharper performance will be required when they face Mexico in the round of 16 at the Estadio Azteca.