Kane double lifts England past Congo into World Cup last 16
England advanced to the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday. Captain Harry Kane scored twice in the space of 11 minutes in the second half to overturn a first-half deficit.
Congo took a shock lead in the sixth minute. Defender Djed Spence, starting as a fourth-choice right-back due to injuries, misjudged a long ball, allowing Brian Cipenga to control and finish past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
England struggled to break down a well-organised Congolese defence for much of the match. Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi made several saves to preserve the lead, including a reflex stop from a Jude Bellingham shot.
Kane equalised in the 70th minute, rising above defenders to head in a cross from Bukayo Saka. The ball went in off the underside of the bar, despite Mpasi getting a hand to it.
Eleven minutes later, Kane scored the winner with a clinical strike from the edge of the box. He turned past a marker and curled a left-footed shot into the far corner, giving Mpasi no chance.
After the match, Kane said: “We showed character to come back. Congo made it very difficult, but we kept believing.”
The victory ensured England topped Group D and set up a last-16 clash against the runners-up of Group E. Congo, competing in their first World Cup, were eliminated but earned praise for their spirited performance.
The match was played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta before a crowd of 71,000.
