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Harry Kane's brace lifts England past DR Congo to reach World Cup round of 16
In Atlanta’s Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, DR Congo shocked England with a seventh‑minute strike from Brian Cipenga. England rallied in the second half: Harry Kane headed a cross from Anthony Gordon to equalise in the 75th minute and, four minutes later, hit a powerful right‑footed finish to win 2‑1. The victory sent the Three Lions into the round of 16, where they will face co‑host Mexico in Mexico City.
Kane’s second goal gave him his 13th World Cup tally, moving him level with Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot race and placing him just behind Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé. England coach Thomas Tuchel praised the side’s perseverance, noting they “didn’t accept defeat as an outcome.”
After the match, DR Congo manager Sébastien Desabre learned that his father had died, a fact announced publicly at the post‑match press conference. Congolese supporters expressed pride in their team’s historic run, recalling the nation’s only previous World Cup appearance in 1974.
The win also set the stage for a high‑profile showdown with Mexico, while analysts highlighted the performance of England’s other stars such as Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford.