England survive one of the biggest scares of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Harry Kane He scored twice in the final 15 minutes to secure a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over fearless DR Congo in the last-32 tie at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Brian Cipenga’s early opener threatened one of the biggest upsets of the World Cup before Kane’s late intervention kept Thomas Tuchel’s side alive and clinching a place in the last 16 against co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca.For much of the night, England looked destined for an embarrassing early exit. DR Congo defended with discipline, attacked with determination and frustrated one of the tournament favorites for just over an hour. England eventually prevailed under sustained pressure, but only after a tense 75 minutes in which the African side looked capable of delivering a result that would reverberate throughout the World Cup.
DR Congo’s fearless first half stuns England
England entered the knockout stages as a dominant group favorite, but DR Congo showed from the opening whistle that they traveled to Atalanta to do more than just make up numbers. Although the Three Lions finished with 54% possession and 92% passing accuracy, the underdogs remained compact without the ball while pushing forward quickly when possession changed hands, refusing to let England’s midfield dictate the tempo of the game.The breakthrough came after just seven minutes, exposing the uncertainty of England’s defence. Shancel Mbemba reacted fastest, winning possession deep inside his own half before immediately pushing forward and releasing the ball down the right. As England’s backline struggled to regain their shape, Mbemba sent a dangerous low cross into the box. Brian Cipenga anticipated the pass perfectly, weaving between defenders before coolly touching the ball and firing a low shot past Jordan Pickford to silence the England fans.
Congo’s Brian Cipenga (9) celebrates after scoring the first goal during the World Cup round of 32 football match between England and Congo on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
This goal changed the complexion of the game. England monopolized possession but found themselves repeatedly frustrated by DRC’s organized defensive blockade. Lionel Mpasi had a superb first-half goal, confidently commanding his area while blocking England’s shots from close range on a number of occasions. Harry Kane thought he had won a penalty after going down under pressure in the box, but the referee dismissed the appeal and VAR upheld the on-field decision, leaving Tuchel visibly frustrated on the touchline as England trailed at half-time.
DR Congo refuses to give in, England steps up pressure
England came back with greater urgency after the restart, trapping DR Congo inside their own half for long periods of time. The statistics increasingly reflect England’s dominance of territory, with 16 shots on goal, eight of which forced saves, while DR Congo had seven shots on goal, two of which were on target. However, despite the volume of England’s attack, DR Congo continued to defend with remarkable determination.
Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi (1) makes a save during the World Cup round of 32 football match on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
Mpasi’s performance in the second half was still outstanding, with wave after wave of attacks constantly frustrating the England forwards. Bukayo Saka’s shot hit the crossbar from the closest possible range, while Jude Bellingham’s header went just wide. DR Congo continued to push forward whenever the chances arose and won three corners in dangerous periods to England’s five.
Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi blocks a header from England’s Jude Bellingham during their World Cup round of 32 soccer match in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
The physics of the competition are also more intense. DR Congo committed 12 fouls in an attempt to disrupt England’s rhythm to nine, with Noah Sadiki booked for cynical provocation and Bellingham also booked for a brief outburst of temper in England’s increasingly desperate pursuit of an equalizer.
Before Kane wrote more World Cup history, Gordon changed the game
Recognizing that England’s attack had become predictable, Tuchel introduced Anthony Gordon in the closing stages, a tactical shift that immediately changed the game. Gordon’s direct movement stretched a tired DR Congo defense and ultimately created the width England had struggled to create all evening.
England’s Harry Kane (9) scores his team’s first goal during the World Cup round of 32 football match on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
In the 75th minute, a beautiful goal equalized the score. Gordon sprinted down the left wing before firing a tempting cross into the six-yard box. Kane timed his movement brilliantly, breaking away from his marker before firing a header past the helpless Mpasi to end DR Congo’s stubborn resistance.
England’s Harry Kane (9) scores his team’s second goal during their World Cup round of 32 football match on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
England continued their charge towards the winner, with the momentum turning decisively in their favour. Eleven minutes later, Gordon proved decisive again. The winger fired another dangerous ball into a crowded penalty area after England regained possession from a partially cleared corner. Kane reacted fastest in a crowded pitch, creating enough space to turn and then fired a ferocious shot into the top right corner in the 86th minute to complete the reversal and send England into the last 16.
England’s Harry Kane (9) celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal with teammates Jude Bellingham (10) and Anthony Gordon (18) during the World Cup round of 32 match between England and Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
England survive, Kane climbs all-time list
Kane’s decisive brace meant far more than England’s promotion campaign. His two goals brought his career tally at the World Cup to 13, moving him past Pele on the all-time World Cup goalscoring list. They also scored five goals at the 2026 World Cup and are level with Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot standings, trailing only Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe who continue to lead the way.The England captain has also cemented his place among England’s top performers at the World Cup. His tally of goals in the knockout stages now stands at five, putting him in sole second place on England’s all-time World Cup knockout goalscoring list, behind Gary Lineker (six goals) and ahead of Sir Geoff Hurst (four goals).England eventually qualified, but only after the latest test they had faced in recent years. DR Congo exited the competition with great honors after pushing one of the favorites to the brink of elimination, while England know they will need a better performance when they take on Mexico in the last 16 at the Estadio Azteca.
