England survived one of the biggest scares of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, coming from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 thanks to a sensational late strike from captain Harry Kane.
The Three Lions looked to be heading for a shock Round of 32 exit after Brian Cipenga stunned Thomas Tuchel’s side with an early opener, punishing England’s shaky defending to give the African nation a dream start.
England dominated possession and created chance after chance, but DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi produced a string of breathtaking saves to frustrate the tournament favourites.
Marcus Rashford, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane were all denied as the Leopards defended heroically.
The Africans could have doubled their advantage before the break, but Yoane Wissa squandered a golden opportunity after striking the post from close range.
England finally found a breakthrough in the 75th minute when Anthony Gordon floated in a cross for Kane, who powered home a header to level the contest.
Just as extra time appeared inevitable, the England skipper delivered once again. In the 86th minute, Kane collected the ball on the edge of the area, spun away from his marker and unleashed an unstoppable strike into the top corner to complete the comeback and send England into the Round of 16.
Despite the defeat, DR Congo earned widespread praise for pushing one of the tournament favourites to the limit, with goalkeeper Mpasi producing one of the standout individual performances of the World Cup.
England now advance to the last 16 after surviving a dramatic test in Atlanta, while DR Congo bow out with their heads held high.
