England 2-1 Congo DR: Harry Kane brace completes comeback into Round of 16

DR Congo stunned England with an early goal at Atlanta Stadium, but Harry Kane's second-half brace secured a 2-1 comeback win to send the Three Lions through to the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Brian Cipenga put DR Congo ahead in the 7th minute, collecting the ball after a Chancel Mbemba delivery into the box was missed by a defender, and finishing from close range past Jordan Pickford. It was the Congolese forward's first international goal, and DR Congo's resistance held for most of the match as goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi produced a string of saves to repel England's attackers in what was DR Congo's first-ever World Cup knockout appearance.

England manager Thomas Tuchel turned to his bench, introducing Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka to change the game. Gordon proved decisive, setting up both of Harry Kane's goals: first a headed equalizer in the 75th minute, then a clinical finish in the 86th minute to complete the turnaround. The double took Kane to 13 World Cup goals for his career and made him the first England player to score twice in a World Cup knockout match since Gary Lineker against Cameroon in 1990.

Jude Bellingham was booked in the first half for a challenge, one of two cautions in the match. England will next face co-hosts Mexico at Estadio Azteca in the Round of 16.