Kane’s late brace breaks DR Congo hearts, sends England into World Cup last 16

Harry Kane scored twice in the final 15 minutes as England came from behind to defeat a spirited DR Congo side 2-1 and book their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after a dramatic knockout clash at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday.

Thomas Tuchel’s men looked on the verge of a shock exit after Brian Cipenga stunned the Three Lions with an early opener, but Kane’s trademark leadership and clinical finishing turned the contest on its head, ending DR Congo's dream run at their first-ever World Cup knockout appearance.

England entered the match as overwhelming favourites after topping Group L, yet it was the African side that made the brighter start.

DR Congo, who had already impressed by holding Portugal and defeating Uzbekistan in the group stage, showed no signs of intimidation and struck inside seven minutes.

Veteran defender Chancel Mbemba delivered a superb long pass that caught England’s defence out of position, allowing Cipenga to burst into space before drilling a low right-footed effort beyond Jordan Pickford at his near post for his maiden international goal.

The early breakthrough energized Sébastien Desabre’s side, who continued to threaten on the counterattack while defending resolutely.

Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi produced an inspired first-half display, denying Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane with outstanding saves, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka cleared Marcus Rashford’s effort off the goal line.

Yoane Wissa also close to doubling DR Congo’s advantage when his first-time strike crashed against the post just before halftime.

England emerged from the break with greater urgency, dominating possession as Tuchel introduced Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon to inject fresh attacking impetus.

However, Mpasi continued to frustrate the Three Lions with another series of impressive saves, including a brilliant stop to deny Bellingham after a deflected effort.

England’s persistence finally paid off in the 75th minute.

Gordon delivered an inviting cross from the left, and Kane timed his run perfectly to guide a powerful header into the bottom corner, bringing the European giants level and shifting the momentum decisively.

Just 11 minutes later, the captain completed the turnaround in spectacular fashion.

Following another sweeping attack initiated by Bellingham, Gordon found Kane on the edge of the penalty area, and the Bayern Munich striker unleashed a thunderous right-footed strike high into the net to complete his brace and send England supporters into celebration.

The two-goal performance took Kane to five goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and made him the first England player to score twice in a World Cup knockout match since Gary Lineker against Cameroon in 1990.

DR Congo refused to surrender and pushed forward during six minutes of stoppage time.

Wissa won a dangerous free-kick on the edge of the area, but his effort sailed over the crossbar before England survived a series of late attacks to secure victory.

While the Three Lions advance to the Round of 16 after another comeback inspired by their captain, The Leopards reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history.

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