Harry Kane’s Late Brace Sends England Into FIFA World Cup Round of 16

Harry Kane scored twice late in the match as England came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 at Atlanta Stadium in Georgia, securing a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16.

England will face Mexico at Estadio Azteca on Monday in the round of 16.

It was the first time since winning the 1966 World Cup that England won a World Cup Finals match after falling behind by one goal. The result improved England’s record in such situations to 2-17-5.

DR Congo took an early lead in the seventh minute through Brian Cipenga. The ball was played over the top before Chancel Mbemba flicked it into the box, allowing Cipenga to finish from close range and beat Jordan Pickford at his near post.

DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi kept his team ahead for much of the match with five strong saves. He denied Marcus Rashford before making another excellent stop to keep out Jude Bellingham in first-half stoppage time. Moments later, he also blocked an effort from England captain Kane before the break.

England finally found the equalizer in the 75th minute. Anthony Gordon lifted a ball into the box, and Kane was there to head it home.

Harry Kane then scored the winner in the 86th minute with a powerful finish. Gordon again set up the England captain at the top of the penalty box. Kane shifted the ball onto his right foot and struck it into the roof of the net, sparking celebrations in the stands and in fan parks across England.

The result ended DR Congo’s World Cup journey, while England moved on to the knockout stage.

Harry Kane’s fifth goal of the 2026 World Cup moved him into a tie for third place with Norway’s Erling Haaland on the Golden Boot leaderboard. He remains one goal behind Argentina’s Lionel Messi and France’s Kylian Mbappe.