Harry Kane scored a second-half brace as England came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 and reach the last 16.
England came from behind to defeat DR Congo 2-1 in the knockout match, with Harry Kane scoring twice in the second half to overturn Brian Cipenga’s early opener. The victory secured England a place in the Round of 16, where they will face tournament co-hosts Mexico, while Kane also moved ahead of Pelé on the World Cup’s all-time scoring chart with his 13th tournament goal.
England held a commanding 59% of the ball during a frustrating first half, dictating the tempo through long passing spells but constantly struggling to penetrate a highly disciplined Congolese low block. DR Congo happily surrendered the remaining 41% of possession, choosing instead to focus entirely on lethal transitions to stretch the pitch.
This strategic approach bore results in the 7th minute of the match, when DR Congo’s Brian Cipenga opened the scoring. Following a perfectly executed switch of play, defender Chancel Mbemba sent a cross into the English penalty area. The ball sailed over Noah Sadiki, allowing Cipenga to settle it on the left side of the box and drill a low, right-footed strike into the net past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, scoring his first ever senior international goal.
Following Brian Cipenga’s shocking 7th-minute strike for DR Congo, the rest of the hour became an incredibly tense, back-and-forth battle as England threw everything forward to equalize while the Leopards fiercely protected their lead.
England scored their hard-earned equalizer in the 74th minute through Harry kane. The goal materialized when Anthony Gordon delivered a precise cross from the flank into the penalty box. Kane expertly read the flight of the ball, rose between the Congolese defenders, and powered his header past goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi. This crucial strike revitalized the English squad, intensifiying their momentum.
Kane doubled the lead in the 85th minute, scored the winner and completed England’s comeback. Recieving a well curated assist from Anthony Gordon, and fired a low cross into the net. This match-winning strike sent England into the Round of 16 and pushed Kane past Pelé on the all-time World Cup scoring list with his 13th career goal.
England travels next to the historic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City to clash with tournament co-hosts Mexico on Monday, July 6, 2026.
