England national football team came from behind to defeat DR Congo national football team 2-1 in a dramatic Round of 32 encounter, with captain Harry Kane scoring twice to send the Three Lions into the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
England entered the contest as favourites but were stunned inside the opening 10 minutes when DR Congo took the lead through Brian Cipenga. Chancel Mbemba’s superb diagonal pass picked out the unmarked forward, who cut inside before firing a powerful effort beyond Jordan Pickford at his near post.
The early setback left Thomas Tuchel’s side searching for a response, but England struggled to create clear openings during the opening stages. Their closest effort came when Declan Rice’s dangerous delivery deflected off Ezri Konsa and drifted narrowly wide.
The cooling break proved to be a turning point as England emerged with greater urgency. Noni Madueke produced an excellent run to the byline before cutting the ball back for Marcus Rashford, whose goal-bound effort was brilliantly cleared off the line by former Manchester United teammate Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Despite England’s improvement, DR Congo nearly doubled their advantage when Yoane Wissa struck the outside of the post from close range, leaving the Three Lions on the brink of a major upset.
England continued to pile on the pressure before half-time. Kane appealed in vain for a penalty after a collision with goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, while the striker also saw a thunderous volley brilliantly saved as DR Congo clung to their slender lead.
The Three Lions maintained their dominance after the restart, although Rashford wasted a glorious opportunity by blasting into the side netting with the goal at his mercy.
Their persistence finally paid off in the 75th minute when Kane rose to meet Anthony Gordon’s inviting cross, steering a composed header into the far corner to restore parity.
With extra time looming, England’s captain produced another moment of brilliance four minutes from time. After Jude Bellingham’s initial effort was blocked, Kane reacted quickest and unleashed a stunning strike from the edge of the penalty area into the roof of the net, completing the turnaround and sealing England’s place in the Round of 16.
The victory sets up a mouth-watering knockout clash against Mexico national football team, while DR Congo bow out after an impressive tournament in which they reached the knockout stages for the first time in their history. Despite the defeat, the Leopards leave the competition with plenty of pride after pushing one of the tournament favourites all the way.
