Harry Kane scored twice as the Three Lions of England beat Democratic Republic of Congo’s Leopards in their round of 32 match at the Atlanta Stadium to reach the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World.
DR Congo stunned the Three Lions seven minutes into the encounter when Brain Cipenga fired a low shot past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to give the Central African country the lead.
England quickly mounted attacking pressure to find an equaliser but goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau’s impressive display kept the Englishmen out, including an incredible save of Jude Belligham’s close header.
A chance by Marcus Rashford in the 35th minute was also cleared off the line by Aaron Wan-Bissiaka. On the other end, Yoane Wissa had a chance to double the lead for DR Congo in the 44th minute but failed to convert despite going one-on-one with Pickford.
The Congolese only managed to keep England at bay until the 75th minute when Kane headed home a cross by Anthony Gordon to level for the one-time champions before firing another shot into the roof of the net in the 86th minute to score the winner.
England will now face Mexico at the Mexico City Stadium next Monday for a place in the quarterfinals.
“It’s just about getting through and the boss spoke about it before the game. This one and the next one are two difficult games for different reasons. Next up we’re away in Mexico against Mexico, but we’re “in the tournament now. We have to grind wins out and that’s what we’ve done today,” Kane stated regarding the game against Mexico.
