England 2-1 Congo DR

⚽ England: Kane (75′, 86′)

⚽ Congo DR: Cipenga (7′)

Harry Kane saved England from a monumental upset, scoring two late goals to secure a dramatic comeback victory over Congo DR at the Atlanta Stadium.

The hard-fought win keeps England’s historic unbeaten record against African opposition intact and propels Thomas Tuchel’s men into the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Round of 16. Next up for the Three Lions is a blockbuster clash against tournament co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Mexico City Stadium on Sunday, July 5th.

A Dream Start for the Knockout Debutants

Playing in their first-ever World Cup knockout match, Congo DR showed no signs of nerves and stunned the favorites just seven minutes into the contest.

A crossfield ball from the right flank was flicked on by Chancel Mbemba, finding Brian Cipenga completely unmarked on the left side of the penalty area. The winger kept his composure, firing a low strike that beat Jordan Pickford at his near post to register his first-ever international goal and spark wild celebrations.

England struggled to settle but eventually began to mount immense pressure. Congo DR goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi proved to be a formidable wall, pulling off two superb saves from Jude Bellingham headers.

In between those chances, Noni Madueke sparked a driving run into the box to set up Marcus Rashford at the far post, only for former Premier League defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka to execute a heroic goal-line clearance. On the stroke of half-time, Mpasi dened England again, blocking a close-range volley from Kane.

Tactical Switches Spark Historic Turnaround

Congo DR almost doubled their lead in the second half when Yoane Wissa turned a low cross from Wan-Bissaka against the post. Sensing the urgency, Tuchel looked to his bench and shook up his flanks.

The tactical changes paid off in the 75th minute. Substitute Anthony Gordon drove down the wing and delivered a perfect cross for Harry Kane, who powered home a textbook header to pull England level. It was Kane’s 12th career goal in World Cup finals.

Just eleven minutes later, number 13 proved to be the lucky charm for the England captain. Turning brilliantly away from his marker on the edge of the area, Kane unleashed an absolutely unstoppable shot inside the near post to complete the rescue mission and break Congolese hearts.

History Written in Atlanta

The dramatic win marked a monumental milestone for the Three Lions. For the first time in their history, England won a World Cup match after trailing at half-time. In their nine previous World Cup matches where they walked into the tunnel down at the break, they had managed just two draws and suffered seven defeats. Thanks to Kane’s clinical edge, that curse is finally broken.