Players of England (C) defend a free kick during the round of 32 match between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Chen)
ATLANTA, United States, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Harry Kane scored twice in the second half as England rallied from a goal down to beat DR Congo 2-1 and advance to the World Cup last 16 here on Wednesday.
Fourth-ranked England opened its Group L campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia before being held to a goalless draw by Ghana. The Three Lions sealed top spot in Group L and advanced to the round of 32 with a victory over Panama in its final group-stage match.
DR Congo, meanwhile, secured a place in the round of 32 from Group K after drawing with Portugal, narrowly losing 1-0 to Colombia and beating Uzbekistan.
Despite a significantly lower world ranking and squad value than England, DR Congo made a fearless start and took the game to its opponent from the opening whistle. In the seventh minute, space opened up on England's right flank, and striker Brian Cipenga latched onto a pass before slotting home unmarked to put DR Congo ahead.
England grew into the game in the closing stages of the first half, and both Marcus Rashford and Jude Bellingham came close to equalizing. Despite spending more time on the defensive, DR Congo continued to attack with confidence and linked up well going forward. In the 41st minute, star forward Yoane Wissa drove into the box and rattled the right post, with England surviving another anxious moment.
England piled on the pressure in stoppage time, with Bellingham and captain Kane both creating excellent scoring opportunities. But DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was once again came to his side's rescue, making a series of crucial saves to preserve DR Congo's lead.
England continued to dominate possession after halftime, but struggled to turn its pressure into clear-cut chances. As the clock wound down, the players grew increasingly anxious and the match became more tense.
Kane then emerged as England's hero, scoring twice in little more than 10 minutes to lead his side to a dramatic comeback victory.
Kane drew England level in the 75th minute with a header from close range after meeting a cross into the box.
Eleven minutes later, the England captain produced a moment of individual quality, shaking off his marker on the edge of the box before firing a powerful shot into the net to complete the turnaround.
England's reward is a round of 16 clash against Mexico. ■
Harry Kane (1st L) of England shoots and scores during the round of 32 match between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Chen)
Fans cheer for team England after the round of 32 match between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Chen)
Referee Adham Mohammad Makhadmeh (C) pulls up Harry Kane of England during the round of 32 match between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Chen)
Harry Kane (front) of England celebrates a goal during the round of 32 match between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Chen)
Lionel Mpasi (front), goalkeeper of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) fails to save a goal during the round of 32 match between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Chen)
Players of England greet the audience after the round of 32 match between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Chen)
Harry Kane of England reacts after the round of 32 match between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Zijian)
Team members of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) huddle after the round of 32 match between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Zijian)
Harry Kane of England greets the audience after the round of 32 match between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Zijian)
Players of England greet the audience after the round of 32 match between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Zijian)
Harry Kane (1st R) of England shoots and scores during the round of 32 match between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Zijian)
Jordan Pickford (C), goalkeeper of England pulls up Joris Kayembe (L) of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the round of 32 match between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Zijian)
Meschack Elia of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) reacts during the round of 32 match between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Zijian)
Meschack Elia of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) falls down during the round of 32 match between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Zijian)
Harry Kane (front) of England celebrates a goal during the round of 32 match between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Chen)
Harry Kane (front L) of England shoots and scores during the round of 32 match between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Chen)
Harry Kane (front) of England celebrates a goal during the round of 32 match between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Chen)
Harry Kane of England celebrates a goal during the round of 32 match between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Chen)
Harry Kane (1st L) of England celebrates a goal with teammates during the round of 32 match between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Chen)
