England Survived One of FIFA World Cup 2026 Biggest Fears After Harry Kane struck twice in the final 15 minutes to complete a dramatic 2-1 comeback against a fearless DR Congo in the Round of 32 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Brian Cipenga’s early opener threatened one of the biggest upsets of the tournament before Kane’s late intervention kept Thomas Tuchel’s side alive and booked a place in the Round of 16 against co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca.For most of the evening, England looked destined for an embarrassing early exit. RD Congo defended with discipline, attacked with conviction and frustrated one of the favorites of the tournament for more than an hour. England eventually prevailed through sustained pressure, but only after surviving a tense 75 minutes in which the African side looked capable of producing a result that would reverberate throughout the World Cup.
DR Congo stuns England with fearless first-half display
England entered the knockout tie as heavy favorites after sailing through the group stage, but DR Congo showed from the opening whistle that they didn’t travel to Atlanta just to make up the numbers. The underdogs remained compact without the ball as they surged forward quickly whenever possession changed hands, refusing to allow England’s midfield to dictate time despite the Three Lions eventually finishing with 54 per cent possession and an outstanding 92 per cent passing accuracy.The breakthrough came after just seven minutes and exposed England’s defensive uncertainty. Chancel Mbemba reacted quickest to win possession in his own half before immediately driving forward and freeing play on the right. As England’s back line struggled to regain their form, Mbemba delivered a dangerous low cross into the penalty area. Brian Cipenga anticipated the delivery perfectly, drifting between defenders before taking a composed touch and drilling a low finish past Jordan Pickford to silence the English supporters.
Congo’s Brian Cipenga (9) celebrates after scoring his first goal during the World Cup 32 soccer match between England and Congo in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
The goal has transformed the complex of the competition. England monopolized possession but found themselves repeatedly frustrated by DR Congo’s organized defensive block. Lionel Mpasi produced an outstanding first half in goal, commanding his area with confidence as he repeatedly denied England from close range. Harry Kane thought he had won a penalty after going down under pressure in the box, but the referee waved away the appeals and VAR upheld the decision on the pitch, leaving Tuchel visibly frustrated on the touchline as England trailed at the break.
England increased the pressure as DR Congo refused to buckle
England returned after the restart with more urgency, trapping DR Congo in their own half for long stretches. The statistics increasingly reflected England’s territorial control as they finished with 16 shots, eight of them forcing saves, while DR Congo managed seven attempts with two on target. However, despite England’s attacking volume, DR Congo continued to defend with remarkable commitment.
Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi (1) saves during the 32nd World Cup soccer match between England and Congo in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
Mpasi was outstanding throughout the second half, repeatedly frustrating England’s forwards as wave after wave of attacks came. Bukayo Saka went close when his effort crashed against the crossbar, while Jude Bellingham saw a header flash narrowly wide. DR Congo continued to push forward whenever the opportunities presented themselves and won three corners during the dangerous periods, while England finished with five.
England’s Jude Bellingham goes for a header as Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi makes a save during a World Cup Round of 32 soccer match in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
The physical nature of the competition has also intensified. DR Congo committed 12 fouls in a bid to disrupt England’s rhythm compared to England’s nine, with Noah Sadiki yellow carded for a cynical challenge before Bellingham was even booked as tempers flared briefly during England’s increasingly desperate search for an equaliser.
Gordon changes the game before Kane writes more World Cup history
Recognizing that England’s attacks had become predictable, Tuchel introduced Anthony Gordon during the closing stages, and the tactical change immediately changed the contest. Gordon’s direct run stretched DR Congo’s tiring defense and finally created the width England had struggled to generate all evening.
England’s Harry Kane (9) scores his team’s first goal during the World Cup Round of 32 soccer match between England and Congo in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
The equalizer came in the 75th minute through a well-constructed move. Gordon broke down the left flank before whipping an inviting cross into the six-yard box. Kane timed his move superbly, breaking away from his marker before feeding a low header past the helpless Mpasi to finally end DR Congo’s remarkable resistance.
England’s Harry Kane (9) scores his team’s second goal during the World Cup Round of 32 soccer match between England and Congo in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
England continued to press for a winner as the momentum shifted decisively in their favour. Eleven minutes later, Gordon again proved decisive. After England recycled possession from a partially cleared corner, the winger delivered another dangerous ball into a crowded penalty area. Kane reacted quickest inside the congestion, creating just enough space to turn before unleashing a fierce high finish into the top right corner in the 86th minute, completing the comeback and sending England into the Round of 16.
England’s Harry Kane (9) celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal alongside teammates Jude Bellingham (10) and Anthony Gordon (18) during the World Cup Round of 32 soccer match between England and Congo in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Kane climbs the all-time charts as England survive
Kane’s decisive brace carried significance far beyond England’s qualification. His two goals took his World Cup career tally to 13, moving him ahead of Pelé on the tournament’s all-time points list. They also took him to five goals at the 2026 World Cup, leveling Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot rankings and leaving only Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, who continue to lead the race.The England captain also cemented his place among his country’s greatest World Cup performers. His knockout tally now stands at five goals, taking him into sole possession of second place on England’s all-time World Cup knockout points list behind Gary Lineker with six, while he remains ahead of Sir Geoff Hurst, who scored four.England eventually advanced, but only after one of the most severe tests they have faced in recent years. DR Congo leave the tournament with huge credit after pushing one of the favorites to the brink of elimination, while England walk away knowing a much stronger performance will be needed when they meet Mexico in the Round of 16 at the Estadio Azteca.