Kane Powers England On
Harry Kane's Late Brace Propels England into FIFA World Cup Round of 16
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Harry Kane scored two goals in the final 15 minutes to send England into the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, defeating DR Congo 2-1 in Atlanta on July 1, 2026. The Bayern Munich striker, who had been widely criticized at halftime, headed home in the 75th minute and struck a thunderous finish in the 86th to complete the comeback at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Guardian reported that England were mere minutes from what would have been one of the most shocking exits in tournament history.
The win moves England into a Round of 16 clash against co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on July 5. Kane's brace also lifted him to 13 career World Cup goals, drawing level with Just Fontaine and moving past Pelé on the all-time list, according to Footy365.
Brian Cipenga Stuns England With Historic Early Strike
DR Congo drew first blood in the 7th minute. Forward Brian Cipenga finished a sharp move started by captain Chancel Mbemba, beating Jordan Pickford at his near post. It was a historic moment — the first World Cup goal ever scored by DR Congo, a nation that had not played at a tournament since 1974 when they competed under the name Zaire, according to Sportsnet.
England struggled badly in the first half. Sofascore tracked five missed "big chances" for the Three Lions, who generated an xG — a stat measuring shot quality — of just 1.18 despite controlling 59% of the ball. DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was outstanding, making save after save to keep England off the scoresheet. England assistant coach Anthony Barry called Mpasi "man of the match so far" at halftime.
Kane Silenced His Critics With Two Goals in 11 Minutes
At halftime, social media lit up with criticism of Kane for going missing in big moments. Those posts aged very badly. Manager Thomas Tuchel brought on substitutes Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon at the break, and Gordon changed the game. His precise cross in the 75th minute found Kane, who powered a header into the net to make it 1-1, Goal.com reported.
Gordon struck again in the 86th minute. After a Jude Bellingham shot was blocked, Gordon recycled the ball and found Kane, who hammered a strike into the top corner. Tuchel praised his squad's mental strength after the match, saying they "didn't lose their shit" despite trailing and struggling to break down a disciplined Congolese defense, according to AS USA.
England Break a 60-Year Curse to Seal the Win
The comeback carried rare historical weight. Before this match, England had not won a World Cup game after trailing at halftime since the 1966 World Cup Final against West Germany, according to AS USA. The win also kept England's unbeaten record against African nations in World Cup history intact.
The mood in the stadium tilted heavily toward England. FOX Sports reported that around 95% of the crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium were England supporters, creating what felt like a home game for the Three Lions. England finished with 8 shots on target to DR Congo's 3, and an xG of 2.14 compared to 1.02 for the Leopards.
England Face Mexico's Altitude and 100,000 Hostile Fans Next
The relief of reaching the Round of 16 was quickly tempered by what comes next. England travel to the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City — a stadium that holds 100,000 fans — to face co-hosts Mexico on July 5. The venue sits over 2,200 meters above sea level, a major physical challenge for any visiting team, according to Goal.com.
The Independent warned that England's defensive lapses against counter-attacks remain a serious problem. If England get past Mexico, they face a likely quarterfinal against Brazil or Norway in Miami on July 11, Sky Sports reported. Kane leads the Golden Boot race with 5 goals in 2026, but tougher tests are coming fast.
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