England vs DR Congo: Kane rescues tense comeback win

Harry Kane's 86th-minute strike turned England vs DR Congo from a looming shock into a 2-1 Round of 32 escape, sending England into the last 16.

Cipenga shocks England early

Congo DR led at half-time because Brian Cipenga struck first in the 7th minute, punishing England with a near-post finish after Chancel Mbemba's long ball and a failed headed clearance by Djed Spence. England did not manage a shot in the first 15 minutes, and the tension showed when Jude Bellingham was booked in the 19th minute.

The chances came later, but not the equaliser. Lionel Mpasi-Nzau denied Bellingham and Kane before the break, Aaron Wan-Bissaka cleared Marcus Rashford's effort off the line, and Yoane Wissa struck the post in the 43rd minute as Congo DR threatened to deepen the damage.

Kane rescues England with late goals

England's pressure became impossible to ignore after the interval. They finished with 60% possession, 16 shots to Congo DR's 6, 7 on target to 2, and a passing-volume edge of 467 to 299, numbers that showed control but also how long Mpasi-Nzau kept the tie alive.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 75th minute, when Anthony Gordon crossed from the left and Kane headed in from close range. The late Harry Kane goals began with his 5th at this World Cup and 12th overall in the tournament, drawing him level with Pele on the all-time list.

Kane decided it in the 86th minute. After Mpasi-Nzau saved again from Bellingham, Gordon found the captain, who escaped three defenders and drove the ball under the bar for his 13th World Cup goal, level with Just Fontaine.

England survives and sets Mexico test

Wissa sent a late free kick over from 20 metres, and that was Congo DR's final chance. England, ranked 1 with 7 points before the knockout tie while Congo DR stood 3rd with 4, move on to face Mexico at the Azteca in Mexico City on 6 July.

Match Information

Competition: World Cup, Round of 32. Date & Time: Wednesday 1 July 2026, 18:00 CET. Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta. Referee: Adham Mohammad, Jordan.