England have survived one of the biggest scares at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after all Harry Kane struck twice in the final 15 minutes to complete a dramatic 2-1 comeback against fearless DR Congo in the Round of 32 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 booked a place in the Round of 16 against co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca.For most of the night, England looked destined for an embarrassing early exit. DR Congo defended with discipline, attacked with conviction and frustrated one of the tournament’s favorites in just over an hour. England eventually prevailed through sustained pressure, but only after enduring 75 tense minutes in which the African side looked set to produce a result that would have reverberated throughout the World Cup.
DR Congo stunned England with a fearless first-half display
England entered the knockout tie as overwhelming favorites after navigating the group stage, but DR Congo showed from the opening whistle that they did not travel to Atlanta just to make up the numbers. The underdogs remained compact without the ball while quickly flowing forward whenever hands changed, refusing to let England’s midfield dictate the tempo even though the Three Lions ultimately finished with 54 percent possession and an incredible 92 percent passing accuracy.The breakthrough came after just seven minutes and exposed the insecurities of England’s defence. Chancel Mbemba reacted quickest to win possession inside his own half before immediately driving forward and releasing play down the right. As England’s back line struggled to regain its form, Mbemba delivered a dangerous low cross into the penalty area. Brian Cipenga perfectly anticipated the delivery, drifting between defenders before taking a deft touch and drilling a low finish past Jordan Pickford to silence the English supporters.
Brian Cipenga (9) of Congo 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 changed the complexion of the contest. England monopolized possession but found themselves repeatedly frustrated by DR Congo’s organized defensive block. Lionel Mpasi produced a remarkable first half in goal, commanding his place confidently while repeatedly denying England from close range. Harry Kane thought he had a penalty after coming under pressure inside the box, but the referee ignored the appeals and VAR upheld the decision on the field, leaving Tuchel frustrated on the touchline as England trailed at the interval.
England increase the pressure as DR Congo refuse to buckle
England hit back after the start with more urgency, pinning DR Congo inside their own half for long periods. The statistics show more of England’s territorial control as they finished with 16 shots, eight of which forced a save, while DR Congo made seven attempts with two on target. But despite England’s attacking numbers, DR Congo continued to defend with remarkable determination.
Congo 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)
Mpasi remained outstanding throughout the second half, repeatedly frustrating England’s forwards as wave after wave of attacks came. Bukayo Saka went closest when his effort crashed against the crossbar, while Jude Bellingham saw a header flash just wide. DR Congo continued to improve whenever opportunities presented themselves and earned three corners during dangerous periods, while England finished with five.
England’s Jude Bellingham goes for a header as Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi blocks it during a World Cup round of 32 soccer match in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
The physical nature of the match also increased. 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 booked as tempers flared briefly during England’s increasingly desperate search for an equaliser.
Gordon changed the game before Kane wrote more World Cup history
Recognizing that England’s attacks were becoming predictable, Tuchel introduced Anthony Gordon during the closing stages, and the tactical switch immediately changed the contest. Gordon’s direct runs stretched the tiring DR Congo defense and finally created the width England had struggled with all night.
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 equalizer came in the 75th minute through a beautifully constructed move. Gordon dived down the left flank before whipping an impressive cross into the six-yard box. Kane timed his move well, peeling away from his marker before powering a low header past the helpless Mpasi to finally end DR Congo’s incredible 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 to push for a winner as the momentum swung 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 in the congestion, creating enough space to move before unleashing a fierce finish 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 alongside teammates 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 climbed the all-time charts as England survived
Kane’s decisive brace had significance 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 in the 2026 World Cup, drawing him level with Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot standings and leaving only Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, who continue to lead the race.The England captain also cemented 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 on 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 progressed, but only after one of the toughest tests they have faced in recent years. DR Congo came out of the tournament with great credit after pushing one of the favorites to the brink of elimination, while England marched knowing that a sharper performance was needed when they met Mexico in the Round of 16 at the Estadio Azteca.