England Come From Behind to Beat DR Congo 2-1 as Kane Scores Twice

England came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 on Wednesday in the World Cup round of 32, with Harry Kane scoring twice late in the second half to send Thomas Tuchel’s side into the last 16.

At Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, DR Congo struck first in the seventh minute when Brian Cipenga finished from a cross by Chancel Mbemba. England spent much of the night pushing for a response but was frustrated by a disciplined DR Congo defense, several important saves from goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau and first-half penalty appeals that were waved away. The game turned after Anthony Gordon came on in the second half. Gordon created both goals, first delivering the cross that Kane converted in the 75th minute, then providing the pass for Kane’s winner in the 86th.

The result keeps England alive in its first knockout game of the expanded 2026 tournament, the first men’s World Cup to include 48 teams and a round of 32 before the round of 16. Tuchel’s team now advances to face Mexico in Mexico City on Monday, July 6.

For Kane, the comeback added another landmark night to his England career. His two goals took him to five in this World Cup, while match reports said he now has 13 World Cup goals overall, an England record in World Cup finals, and 84 goals for his country in total. More immediately, his finishing rescued a performance that had been in danger of becoming a damaging upset after England controlled long stretches without finding a way through.

“It was just about pounding the rock, keep pounding the rock and our moment would come,” Kane said afterward.

The defeat ended a historic occasion for DR Congo, coached by Sébastien Desabre. This was the country’s first World Cup knockout match. Its only previous appearance at the tournament came in 1974, when it competed as Zaire.