England subsequently survived one of the biggest fears of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Harry Kane scored twice in the final 15 minutes to complete a dramatic 2-1 comeback against fearless DR Congo in the round of 16 at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Brian Cipenga’s early opener threatened one of the biggest upsets of the tournament before Kane’s late intervention kept Thomas Tuchel’s side alive and secured 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 convincingly and frustrated one of the favorites of the tournament 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 reverberate throughout the World Cup.
DR Congo surprised England with fearless play in the first half
England went into the tie as overwhelming favorites after getting through the group stage, but DR Congo showed from the first whistle that they had not traveled to Atlanta just to make up numbers. The underdogs remained compact without the ball as they quickly surged forward whenever possession changed, refusing to allow England’s midfield to dictate the tempo despite the Three Lions ending up with 54 per cent possession and a remarkable 92 per cent passing accuracy.The turnaround came after just seven minutes and exposed England’s defensive uncertainty. Chancel Mbemba was quickest to react and won possession deep inside his own half before immediately moving forward to run play down the right. As England’s back line struggled to regain their form, Mbemba sent a dangerous low cross into the penalty area. Brian Cipenga anticipated the delivery perfectly, drifting between defenders before taking a composed touch and curling a low finish over Jordan Pickford to silence the England fans.
Congo’s Brian Cipenga (9) celebrates after scoring his first goal during the World Cup Round of 16 soccer match between England and Congo in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
The goal changed the complexity of the competition. England had a monopoly in possession, but repeatedly found themselves frustrated by DR Congo’s organized defensive block. Lionel Mpasi had an outstanding first half in goal, confidently commanding his space as he repeatedly denied England from close range. Harry Kane thought he had earned a penalty after going under pressure in the box, but the referee waved away the appeals and VAR upheld the decision on the pitch, leaving Tuchel visibly frustrated on the touchline as England trailed at the interval.
England turn up the pressure as DR Congo refuse to budge
England came back from the restart with more urgency, keeping DR Congo inside 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 had seven attempts with two on goal. However, despite the scale of England’s attacks, DR Congo continued to defend with incredible commitment.
Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi (1) makes a save during the World Cup Round of 16 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 they mounted wave after wave of attacks. Bukayo Saka went closest when he hit the crossbar, while Jude Bellingham saw a header go wide. DR Congo continued to push forward whenever opportunities arose and earned three corners during periods of danger, while England finished with five.
England’s Jude Bellingham heads in as Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi makes a block during the FIFA World Cup 32 finals 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 booked for a cynical challenge before Bellingham was also booked as tempers flared briefly during England’s increasingly desperate chase for an equaliser.
Gordon changes the game before Kane makes more World Cup history
Realizing that England’s attacks had become predictable, Tuchel brought on Anthony Gordon during the closing stages, and the tactical change immediately transformed the contest. Gordon’s direct run stretched a struggling DR Congo defense and finally created the width England had been trying to create all evening.
England’s Harry Kane (9) scores the first goal for his team during the World Cup Round of 16 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 move. Gordon raced down the left flank before sending an inviting cross into the six-yard box. Kane timed his movement superbly, peeling away from his marker before firing a low header over a helpless Mpasi to finally end DR Congo’s incredible resistance.
England’s Harry Kane (9) scores his team’s second goal during the World Cup Round of 16 soccer match between England and Congo in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
England continued to press for the winner as the momentum swung decisively in their favour. Eleven minutes later Gordon was decisive again. After England regained possession from a partially offside corner, the winger sent another dangerous ball into the crowded penalty area. Kane was quickest to react inside the crowd, creating just enough space to turn before curling a fierce shot high into the top right corner in the 86th minute to complete the comeback and send England into the last 16.
England’s Harry Kane (9) celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal alongside teammates Jude Bellingham (10) and Anthony Gordon (18) during England’s World Cup Round of 16 soccer match between England and Congo in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Kane climbs the all-time charts as England survives
Kane’s decisive duel had a significance far beyond England’s qualification. His two goals took his World Cup career tally to 13, moving him ahead of Pelé on the tournament’s all-time goalscoring list. They also took him to five goals at the 2026 World Cup, leveling Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot standings and 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 World Cup performers. His tally in the knockout stages now stands at five goals, moving him into second on England’s all-time World Cup goalscorers behind only Gary Lineker with six, while he remains ahead of Sir Geoff Hurst, who scored four.England eventually progressed, but only after one of the sternest tests they have faced in years. DR Congo leave the tournament with huge credit after pushing one of the favorites to the very brink of elimination, while England march knowing a far sharper game will be required when they meet Mexico in the round of 16 at the Estadio Azteca.
