Kane rescues England against DR Congo (2-1) with a late brace to reach the last 16
Cipenga put a surprising DR Congo ahead, but a Harry Kane brace (75', 86'), both set up by Gordon, turned the tie around and sent England into the 2026 World Cup last 16 in Atlanta.
England came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, one of the roofed venues of the 2026 World Cup, in a round-of-32 tie that troubled them until the closing stages. The Georgia arena, opened in 2017 and recognisable for its retractable roof of eight "petals" that open like a camera aperture, holding 68,239 spectators, staged a contest the Three Lions had to win the hard way, chasing the game before sealing their place in the last 16 of this 48-team World Cup staged by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Things turned awkward early for the favourites. In the 7th minute, Bruno Cipenga pounced on an assist from Chancel Mbemba to put a brave, organised DR Congo — who had reached the last 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams — ahead. Sébastien Desabre's side, set up in a 4-3-3, dropped deep with discipline to protect their lead against English pressure.
England, lined up by Thomas Tuchel in a 4-2-3-1, ran into a wall and built up frustration, reflected in a booking for Jude Bellingham (19'); Nathan Sadiki (28') was cautioned for the Leopards. The German coach shuffled his bench with Rashford, Madueke and Eze all introduced in search of a response that would not come.
Until the captain stepped up. In the 75th minute, Harry Kane levelled from an Anthony Gordon pass to calm the English bench, and in the 86th Kane himself sealed the 2-1, again assisted by Gordon, to spark Three Lions joy. The striker, scorer of both goals, was named man of the match and confirmed his standing as England's main attacking reference.
DR Congo, who had produced a fine group stage to reach the knockouts, leave the 2026 World Cup feeling they came within touching distance of an upset against one of the leading contenders. The Leopards stood firm for 74 minutes, but Kane's finishing left them empty-handed.
With this hard-fought comeback, England advance to the round of 16, where hosts Mexico — who saw off Ecuador — await. El Tri and the Three Lions will meet in a heavyweight tie of a single-elimination phase where there is no room for error.