England survived one of the most dangerous events at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after all Harry Kane scored twice in the final 15 minutes to complete a stunning 2-1 comeback against fearless DR Congo in the Round of 32 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Brian Cipenga’s early opener threatened to be one of the biggest upsets in the tournament before Kane made a late save to keep Thomas Tuchel’s side alive and secure a place in the Round of 16 against rivals Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.For most of the evening, England looked set to go out in disgrace. DR Congo defended with discipline, attacked with determination and frustrated one of the competition’s favorites for an hour. England eventually won under pressure, but it was only after 75 minutes that the African side looked like they could make a comeback in the World Cup.
DR Congo stunned England with a fearless display in the first half
England went into the tournament as favorites after traveling in the group, but DR Congo showed from the opening whistle that they did not go to Atlanta to make up numbers. The underdogs remained strong without the ball as they moved forward quickly as the players changed hands, refusing to let the England midfielder dominate his pace even though the Three Lions eventually finished with 54% and passing accuracy of 92%.The breakthrough came after just seven minutes and exposed the uncertainty of England’s defence. Chancel Mbemba made a quick move to win it inside his own half before running forward and unleashing a play down the right. As the England full-back struggled to regain his form, Mbemba fired a dangerous ball into the penalty area. Brian Cipenga anticipated a good delivery, moving between the defenders before taking a slow catch and drilling low past Jordan Pickford to silence the English fans.
Congo’s Brian Cipenga (9) celebrates after scoring his 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 changed the face of the competition. England grabbed possession but were repeatedly let down by a DR Congo defensive unit. Lionel Mpasi produced an outstanding goal in the first half, commanding his area with confidence as he repeatedly denied England a chance to play. Harry Kane was adjudged to have been awarded a penalty after being pressured in the box, but the referee overturned the appeal and VAR upheld the on-field decision, leaving Tuchel looking frustrated on the line as England nearly finished.
England increases pressure when DR Congo refuses to comply
England hit back after a quick restart, putting DR Congo inside their own half for a long time. The numbers show England’s dominance as they finished with 16 shots, eight of which forced saves, while DR Congo managed seven double-double attempts. Yet despite England’s attack, DR Congo continued to defend with incredible dedication.
Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi (1) makes a save during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between England and Congo in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
Passing remained a dominant presence in the second half, frustrating England’s defenders time and time again when the threats came. Bukayo Saka went close when his effort hit the crossbar, with Jude Bellingham seeing a glancing header narrowly wide. DR Congo continued to push forward whenever opportunities arose and earned three corners in the dying minutes, while England finished with five.
England’s Jude Bellingham goes for a header as Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi makes a save during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
The physical nature of the competition also grew. DR Congo committed 12 fouls in their attempts to break England’s rhythm compared to England’s nine, Noah Sadiki was yellow carded for a challenge from Bellingham as Bellingham were a little frustrated as England looked to level again.
Gordon changes the game before Kane makes a World Cup record
Recognizing that England’s attack was imminent, Tuchel introduced Anthony Gordon in the closing stages, and a smart switch changed the game. Gordon’s direct run stretched a tiring DR Congo defense and eventually created the width that England had struggled to create all afternoon.
England’s Harry Kane (9) scores his first goal during the 32nd World Cup soccer match between England and Congo in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
The equalizer came in the 75th minute through a well-executed move. Gordon got down the left before whipping an inviting cross into the six-yard box. Kane kept his timing admirably, clearing his marker before curling a low header past a helpless Mpasi to end DR Congo’s incredible resistance.
England’s Harry Kane (9) scores his second goal during the 32nd World Cup soccer match between England and Congo in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
England continued to push for victory as the stakes rose in their favour. After eleven minutes, Gordon sat up again. After England got the ball back from a narrowly closed corner, the winger delivered another dangerous ball into the box. Kane reacted quickly in the midst of the breakdown, creating enough space to dribble before unleashing a dangerous strike into the 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 team’s first goal alongside teammates Jude Bellingham (10) and Anthony Gordon (18) during the 32nd World Cup match between England and Congo in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Kane tops the all-time charts as England survive
Kane’s bravery was more important than England deserved. His two goals took his World Cup career tally to 13, moving him ahead of Pelé on the tournament’s goalscoring list. He also took his tally to five goals at the 2026 World Cup, drawing with Erling Haaland for the Golden Boot and leaving him behind Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, who continue to lead the competition.The England captain also cemented his place among the best players in the World Cup. His deafening streak now stands at five goals, taking him second on England’s all-time World Cup goalscoring list behind Gary Lineker who has six, and ahead of Sir Geoff Hurst, who scored four.England eventually made progress, but only after the toughest test they have faced in recent years. DR Congo will come out of the tournament on a high note after pushing one of the favorites to the knockout stage, while England marched knowing they will need to do their best when they face Mexico in the round of 16 at the Estadio Azteca.
