England defeated DR Congo 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on July 1, 2026. Harry Kane scored two goals in the final 15 minutes to overturn an early Brian Cipenga strike, allowing England to advance to the Round of 16 to face co-hosts Mexico.
How did England overcome the early DR Congo lead?
DR Congo took an early advantage in the seventh minute when Brian Cipenga exploited space on the left flank. According to match reports, Cipenga cut inside and fired a shot that passed under Jordan Pickford at the near post.
England struggled to find an equalizer for much of the match. Jude Bellingham forced a save from goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi with a header in the 30th minute, and Yoane Wissa hit the post for DR Congo shortly before halftime.
Mpasi remained a significant obstacle for the Three Lions throughout the game. The goalkeeper denied Bellingham in the second minute of first-half stoppage time and again after a deflected cross in the 53rd minute.
The momentum shifted in the 75th minute. Anthony Gordon delivered a cross from the left that Harry Kane headed past Mpasi to level the score. Four minutes later, Kane secured the win by lashing a shot into the roof of the net following a second Bellingham attempt and a subsequent assist from Gordon.
With his two goals in Atlanta, Harry Kane reached 13 career World Cup goals, equaling the record previously held by Pelé.
Which record did Harry Kane set in Atlanta?
Harry Kane’s performance in the Round of 32 marked a significant milestone in World Cup history. His 75th-minute equalizer was his 13th goal in the tournament, a figure that places him alongside the legendary Pelé in the record books.
Kane’s ability to perform under pressure was central to England’s progression. After failing to convert a volley just before the halftime whistle, he found the net twice in the final stages of the game to prevent a premature exit for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
England’s path vs. DR Congo’s path
The two teams entered the knockout stage with different trajectories. England entered the match unbeaten after winning Group L, highlighted by a 2-0 victory over Panama on June 27.
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