Harry Kane delivered when it mattered most, scoring twice to inspire England to a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over DR Congo in their Round of 32 clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a game played at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday, England were pushed to their limits by a spirited DR Congo side, with goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau producing a standout performance despite the eventual defeat.
The match burst into life early when Brian Cipenga stunned England with a brilliant opener.
In the 7th minute, Cipenga met a cross just outside the box and finished clinically with a low drive into the bottom left corner, giving DR Congo a dream start.
England responded immediately with waves of pressure, but Mpasi-Nzau stood firm, producing a string of key saves to keep his side ahead.
England created several clear opportunities in the first half but were repeatedly denied.
Jude Bellingham came close after connecting with a cross, only for Mpasi-Nzau to make an excellent save.
Marcus Rashford also tested the defence with a first-time effort that was blocked in the box, while Harry Kane himself missed a big chance deep into first-half stoppage time when his close-range effort was saved superbly.
DR Congo nearly doubled their lead just before the break when Yoane Wissa unleashed a powerful strike that rattled the post after a well-timed run into the box.
Despite England’s pressure, DR Congo went into halftime ahead.
England returned from the break with renewed urgency, and Kane finally made the breakthrough.
In the 75th minute, the England captain rose highest to meet a brilliant cross, directing a perfect header inside the left post to level the match.
DR Congo’s resistance was eventually broken again late in the game when Kane struck once more.
In the 86th minute, he latched onto a precise pass and calmly slotted the ball into the top right corner to complete the comeback and seal England’s progression.
The victory sends England into the Round of 16, where they will face Mexico in what promises to be another high-stakes encounter.
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