Kane double keeps England’s World Cup hope alive

Harry Kane scored a dramatic late brace as England came from behind to beat a spirited DR Congo 2-1 in Atlanta, keeping their FIFA 2026 World Cup hopes alive and booking a place in the Round of 16 against co-hosts Mexico.

The Three Lions looked set for a shock exit after Brian Cipenga fired DR Congo into an early lead in the nation’s first-ever World Cup knockout match. But England captain Kane rescued Thomas Tuchel’s side with two decisive goals in the closing stages to complete a remarkable turnaround.

Cipenga stuns England as DR Congo threaten upset

DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi produced a string of outstanding saves to frustrate England for much of the contest, while Yoane Wissa struck the post just before half-time with the goal at his mercy in a miss that ultimately proved costly.

England endured a nervy and disjointed display, struggling to cope with DR Congo’s energy and organisation after Cipenga punished a defensive lapse with a powerful seventh-minute opener.

Kane delivers when England needed him most

With time running out, Kane finally broke the resistance in the 75th minute, rising to head home substitute Anthony Gordon’s inviting cross and restore England’s hopes.

The England skipper then completed the comeback four minutes from time with a moment of individual brilliance. Collecting the ball on the edge of the area, Kane spun away from his marker before unleashing a thunderous right-footed strike beyond the helpless Mpasi.

The brace took Kane’s tally to five goals at the 2026 World Cup and lifted him above Brazil legend Pelé on the all-time World Cup scoring charts with 13 career World Cup goals.

England will now face co-hosts Mexico in the Round of 16 at the iconic Azteca Stadium on 6 July, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

England book Mexico showdown

For DR Congo, the defeat brought an end to a memorable tournament in which they reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history and pushed one of the favourites to the brink of elimination. Despite the heartbreaking loss, the Leopards leave the competition with their reputation enhanced after one of the standout campaigns by an African nation at the 2026 World Cup.