Harry Kane inspired England to a dramatic second-half comeback as the Three Lions defeated DR Congo 2-1 at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday to secure their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Bayern Munich striker struck twice in the space of 11 minutes after the break, rescuing England from the brink of a shock defeat and ending DR Congo’s impressive World Cup campaign.
The Leopards stunned the European giants with an early breakthrough in the seventh minute when Brian Cipenga found the back of the net to hand the African side a huge 1-0 lead.
Buoyed by the opener, DR Congo produced a disciplined defensive display throughout the first half, with goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau delivering an outstanding performance between the posts to frustrate England’s attacking stars.
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Mpasi-Nzau made a superb save to keep out Jude Bellingham’s powerful header in the 30th minute before Aaron Wan-Bissaka blocked Marcus Rashford’s goal-bound effort off the line five minutes later.
At the other end, DR Congo nearly doubled their advantage just before the interval when Yoane Wissa struck the woodwork with a first-time effort in the 42nd minute.
England appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty two minutes later after Kane went down under pressure from Mpasi-Nzau, but the referee waved play on despite protests from the English players and coaching staff.
Mpasi-Nzau continued his heroics before the break, producing another fine save to deny Bellingham before blocking Kane’s volley to preserve DR Congo’s slender advantage heading into half-time.
The Congolese goalkeeper remained in inspired form after the restart, thwarting Bellingham again in the 53rd minute as England struggled to find a way through.
However, England’s persistence finally paid off in the 75th minute when Anthony Gordon delivered an inviting cross for Kane, who rose highest to head past the previously unbeatable Mpasi-Nzau and level the contest at 1-1.
With extra time looming, Kane completed the turnaround in the 86th minute. Gordon was again the provider, slipping a pass to the England captain, who turned sharply before unleashing a clinical strike into the top-right corner to seal a hard-fought victory.
The win sends England into the Round of 16, where they will face co-hosts Mexico on July 6, while DR Congo bow out of the tournament with their heads held high after a spirited and memorable World Cup campaign.
