Harry Kane (1st R) of England shoots and scores during the round of 32 match between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, on July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Zijian)
Captain Harry Kane struck twice in the closing stages as England came from behind to defeat DR Congo 2-1 in a gripping FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash, narrowly avoiding one of the biggest upsets of the tournament and booking a place in the Round of 16 against co-hosts Mexico.
For much of the evening at Atlanta Stadium, Thomas Tuchel's side looked destined for an embarrassing exit against a fearless Congolese outfit making history in their first-ever World Cup knockout appearance.
DR Congo stunned the heavily fancied Three Lions after just seven minutes when Brian Cipenga finished off a swift attacking move to send thousands of Congolese supporters into wild celebrations.
The early goal transformed the contest.
Instead of retreating into a defensive shell, head coach Sébastien Desabre's men continued to press aggressively, frustrating England with disciplined defending and quick transitions. Their bold approach disrupted England's rhythm and silenced a crowd expecting a routine victory.
Harry Kane (front) of England celebrates a goal during the round of 32 match between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Chen)
England struggled to create clear-cut opportunities during a frustrating first half.
Marcus Rashford, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice all tested goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, but the Congolese shot-stopper produced a string of outstanding saves to preserve his side's lead.
As frustration mounted, England's attacks became increasingly predictable, while DR Congo looked dangerous every time they broke forward.
Recognising the need for change, Tuchel turned to his bench early in the second half, introducing Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka to inject pace and creativity into England's attack.
The substitutions immediately altered the flow of the game.
England began stretching the Congolese defence through the wide areas, creating the spaces that had been absent during the opening hour.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 75th minute.
Gordon whipped in a teasing cross that found Kane perfectly positioned inside the penalty area, and England's captain powered a header beyond the helpless Mpasi to level the scores.
Team members of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) huddle after the round of 32 match between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Zijian)
Their persistence paid off four minutes from time.
Once again, Gordon was the architect, delivering another incisive pass into Kane's path. The striker took one touch before unleashing a thunderous finish into the top corner, completing the comeback and breaking Congolese hearts.
England comfortably managed the closing minutes to secure a dramatic victory and keep their World Cup dream alive.
Players of England greet the audience after the round of 32 match between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Zijian)
After the match, Tuchel praised his players' resilience and refusal to surrender despite spending much of the game trailing.
"This team today did not accept defeat as an outcome," Tuchel said.
"They just didn't accept it, and it makes me very proud because they did what was necessary to survive."
The England manager revealed that his message throughout the second half never changed despite the growing tension.
"The message was always the same: keep on knocking, knocking, knocking. Keep believing. Keep on doing what we do. Don't give in."
Tuchel also reserved special praise for match-winner Kane.
"He is our captain, he is our leader, and he decides football matches with unbelievable finishes."
While England celebrated, DR Congo left the tournament with their heads held high after producing one of the most courageous performances of the competition.
Desabre expressed pride in his players despite the heartbreaking defeat.
"We are more proud than disappointed," he said.
"We scored five goals in the tournament, played much higher-ranked teams and managed good results."
The Congolese coach also defended his adventurous tactical approach that nearly delivered a famous victory.
"We wanted to use the width of the field and needed space. We managed to corner England, but they reacted, and that is the capacity of these big teams."
Although their remarkable World Cup journey came to an end, DR Congo departed having earned widespread admiration for their fearless football, tactical discipline and refusal to be intimidated by one of the tournament favourites.
England, meanwhile, advance to the Round of 16, where a blockbuster meeting with co-hosts Mexico awaits.
Tuchel's men will know that significant improvement is required if they are to continue their pursuit of World Cup glory, but with Kane once again proving decisive when it mattered most, the Three Lions remain firmly in the hunt for football's biggest prize.
