England survived a major FIFA World Cup 2026 scare after producing a dramatic second-half comeback to defeat DR Congo 2-1, with captain Harry Kane scoring twice to send the Three Lions into the Round of 16.
Thomas Tuchel’s side looked on course for a shock elimination after falling behind early against an inspired Congolese side. However, Kane’s late heroics turned the tie around, setting up a blockbuster last-16 clash against co-hosts Mexico at the Mexico City Stadium on Sunday, 5 July.
Making their first-ever appearance in a World Cup knockout match, DR Congo showed no signs of nerves and stunned England just seven minutes into the contest.
A perfectly weighted crossfield pass from the right was expertly flicked on by Chancel Mbemba, allowing Brian Cipenga to ghost into space inside the penalty area before drilling a low finish past Jordan Pickford at the near post.
The goal marked Cipenga’s first international strike and handed the African nation a dream start against one of the tournament favourites.
England struggled to find their rhythm early but gradually began creating opportunities as the first half progressed.
DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi produced two outstanding saves to deny Jude Bellingham from close-range headers, while Marcus Rashford was left frustrated after Aaron Wan-Bissaka cleared his effort off the goal line following an excellent run by Noni Madueke.
On the stroke of half-time, Mpasi came to his country’s rescue once again, brilliantly blocking Kane’s close-range volley after a dangerous corner.
DR Congo nearly doubled their advantage before the interval when Yoane Wissa struck the post, leaving England relieved to trail by only a single goal.
Recognising the need for greater attacking urgency, Tuchel introduced fresh pace out wide in the second half.
The substitutions transformed England’s attacking momentum. In the 75th minute, substitute Anthony Gordon delivered a pinpoint cross that Kane powered home with a clinical header to finally bring England level.
With extra time looming, England’s captain delivered once again. Kane cleverly spun away from his defender before unleashing a thunderous strike inside the near post, completing a remarkable turnaround and sending the England supporters into celebration.
The brace also took Kane’s tally to 13 FIFA World Cup finals goals, further cementing his status as one of England’s greatest-ever tournament performers.
England’s resilience preserved an impressive record against African opposition, extending their unbeaten run against teams from the continent in FIFA World Cup history.
More importantly, the victory keeps alive their hopes of lifting the trophy under Tuchel, although the performance served as a timely reminder that the margin for error in the knockout rounds is razor-thin.
The Three Lions will now face tournament co-hosts Mexico in what promises to be one of the standout Round of 16 fixtures.
For DR Congo, despite the heartbreaking defeat, the tournament marked another significant milestone in the nation’s football history, with their spirited display earning widespread admiration after pushing one of the world’s strongest teams to the limit.
Credit Photo : FA
