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.
