England survived one of the biggest scares of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after Harry Kane struck twice in the final 15 minutes to complete a dramatic 2-1 comeback against a fearless DR Congo in the Round of 32 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Brian Cipenga’s early opener threatened one of the tournament’s greatest upsets before Kane’s late intervention kept Thomas Tuchel’s side alive and booked a place in the Round of 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 tournament favourites for more than an hour. England eventually prevailed through sustained pressure, but only after surviving 75 tense minutes in which the African side looked capable of producing a result that would have reverberated throughout the World Cup.
DR Congo stun England with fearless first-half display
England entered the knockout tie as overwhelming favourites after navigating the group stage, but DR Congo showed from the opening whistle that they had not travelled to Atlanta simply to make up the numbers. The underdogs remained compact without the ball while springing forward quickly whenever possession changed hands, refusing to allow England’s midfield to dictate the tempo despite the Three Lions eventually finishing with 54 per cent possession and an outstanding 92 per cent passing accuracy.The breakthrough arrived after only seven minutes and exposed England’s defensive uncertainty. Chancel Mbemba reacted quickest to win possession deep inside his own half before immediately driving forward and releasing play down the right. As England’s back line struggled to recover its shape, Mbemba delivered a dangerous low cross into the penalty area. Brian Cipenga anticipated the delivery perfectly, drifting between defenders before taking a composed touch and drilling a low finish beyond Jordan Pickford to silence the English supporters.
Congo’s Brian Cipenga (9) celebrates after scoring their 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 transformed the complexion of the contest. England monopolised possession but found themselves repeatedly frustrated by DR Congo’s organised defensive block. Lionel Mpasi produced an exceptional first half in goal, commanding his area confidently while repeatedly denying England from close range. Harry Kane thought he had earned a penalty after going down under pressure inside the box, but the referee waved away the appeals and VAR upheld the on-field decision, leaving Tuchel visibly frustrated on the touchline as England trailed at the interval.
England increase the pressure as DR Congo refuse to buckle
England returned after the restart with greater urgency, pinning DR Congo inside their own half for long stretches. The statistics increasingly reflected England’s territorial control as they finished with 16 shots, eight of them forcing saves, while DR Congo managed seven attempts with two on target. Yet despite England’s attacking volume, DR Congo continued to defend with remarkable commitment.
Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi (1) saves during the World Cup round of 32 soccer 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 arrived. Bukayo Saka came closest when his effort crashed against the crossbar, while Jude Bellingham saw a header flash narrowly wide. DR Congo continued to break forward whenever opportunities presented themselves and earned three corners during dangerous spells, while England finished with five.
England’s Jude Bellingham goes for a header as Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi blocks during a World Cup round of 32 soccer match in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
The physical nature of the contest also intensified. DR Congo committed 12 fouls in an attempt to disrupt England’s rhythm compared to England’s nine, with Noah Sadiki receiving a yellow card for a cynical challenge before Bellingham was also booked as tempers briefly flared during England’s increasingly desperate pursuit of an equaliser.
Gordon changes the game before Kane writes more World Cup history
Recognising that England’s attacks had become predictable, Tuchel introduced Anthony Gordon during the closing stages, and the tactical switch immediately altered the contest. Gordon’s direct running stretched DR Congo’s tiring defence and finally created the width England had struggled to generate throughout the evening.
England’s Harry Kane (9) scores his side’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 equaliser arrived in the 75th minute through a beautifully constructed move. Gordon surged down the left flank before whipping an inviting cross towards the six-yard box. Kane timed his movement superbly, peeling away from his marker before powering a downward header beyond the helpless Mpasi to finally end DR Congo’s remarkable resistance.
England’s Harry Kane (9) scores his side’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 pressing for a winner as the momentum swung decisively in their favour. Eleven minutes later, Gordon again proved decisive. After England recycled possession from a partially cleared corner, the winger delivered another dangerous ball into a crowded penalty area. Kane reacted quickest inside the congestion, creating just enough space to swivel before unleashing a fierce finish high into the top-right corner in the 86th minute, completing the comeback and sending England into the Round of 16.
England’s Harry Kane (9) celebrates after scoring his side’s first goal next to his teammate Jude Bellingham (10) and Anthony Gordon (18) during the World Cup round of 32 soccer 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 carried significance far beyond England’s qualification. His two goals took his career World Cup tally to 13, moving him ahead of Pelé on the tournament’s all-time scoring list. They also lifted him to five goals at the 2026 World Cup, drawing level with Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot standings and leaving him behind only Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, who continue to lead the race.The England captain also strengthened his place among his country’s greatest World Cup performers. His knockout-stage tally now stands at five goals, moving him into sole possession of second place in England’s all-time World Cup knockout scoring list behind only Gary Lineker with six, while remaining ahead of Sir Geoff Hurst, who scored four.England eventually advanced, but only after one of the sternest examinations they have faced in recent years. DR Congo exit the tournament with enormous credit after pushing one of the favourites to the very edge of elimination, while England march on knowing that a far sharper performance will be required when they meet Mexico in the Round of 16 at the Estadio Azteca.
