Kane scores twice in 11 minutes and England come back to beat DR Congo 2-1 in the round of 32

England went in as favorites and nearly left Atlanta with their heads bowed. At 7 minutes, Brian Cipenga had already opened the scoring for DR Congo. The match turned tense, the clock ticked, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium held its breath — until Harry Kane did what only he does: two goals in eleven minutes, at 75 and 86, to complete the 2-1 comeback and secure England's spot in the round of 16.

For DR Congo, even in defeat, it was a milestone: their first ever World Cup knockout match. One for the history books.

An inaugural meeting

Before this World Cup, England and DR Congo had never played each other — not competitively, not in a recorded friendly. For the Congolese it was doubly unprecedented: the country had only appeared at one previous World Cup, as Zaire in 1974, and had only played the group stage. In 2026, they reached their first knockout in 52 years of waiting.

England in the knockouts: always close, only one title

England have lived for decades in the shadow of 1966, their only title. Ever since, they've been an almost guaranteed presence at the business end of tournaments, but the finals keep slipping away. Kane arrives at his third World Cup as captain and record scorer, ever closer to leading the generation that can break the drought.

DR Congo in the knockouts: first time in 52 years

DR Congo have only played two World Cups — as Zaire in 1974 and now, under the Congolese flag, in 2026. They reached a knockout stage for the first time. And, even in defeat, they leave with their heads high: they led against one of the biggest sides in the world until the 74th minute.

How the match unfolded

England controlled the game: 60% possession, 9 shots to 5, 7 on target to 2. The xG was significant: 2.16 to 0.77. But for a long 68 minutes, the scoreline didn't reflect any of that.

At 7, on a lightning counter, Cipenga took advantage of an English defensive lapse, shot from outside the box and buried it. A huge early blow.

England pressed, created, but ran into the Congolese goalkeeper for almost the entire second half. At 75, Anthony Gordon crossed from the right and Kane rose unmarked to head the equalizer. At 86, the captain appeared again inside the box and struck firmly to complete the turnaround. 2-1, hard-earned, but the ticket was punched.

Match facts

• 7' — Brian Cipenga (COD), counter-attack
• 75' — Harry Kane (ENG), header from a Gordon cross
• 86' — Harry Kane (ENG), finish inside the box

England's standouts

Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, 32). England's all-time top scorer. With 61 goals across all competitions in 2025/26 and the European Golden Boot, he is the box predator England needed. Cold and decisive.

Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, 22). The most valuable player in England's squad and one of the most complete midfielders on the planet. Creative engine feeding the attack — held the team up even when they were losing.

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal, 24). Came on in the second half and created both of Kane's goals. Cutting passes, pace and the ability to appear at the right moment.

DR Congo's standouts

Yoane Wissa (Brentford, 28). DR Congo's top scorer at the World Cup, with three goals in the group stage. The revelation of the squad.

Brian Cipenga (Club Africain, 24). Scorer of the goal that silenced Atlanta at 7'. One of the most surprising moments of the round of 32.

Chancel Mbemba (Olympique de Marseille, 30). Defensive captain, over 100 caps since 2012. Held the team to the limit.

Market value

Bellingham is worth €130M on Transfermarkt and is one of the ten most expensive players in the world. England have the second most valuable squad at the World Cup: over €1.3 billion. DR Congo's most expensive player is Noah Sadiki (Union Saint-Gilloise), at €35M, with a squad totaling around €144M — modest, but impressive for an emerging African power.

Next opponent

England advance to the round of 16 with an opponent to be defined. Kane arrives in form, the team on alert after the scare against DR Congo. Follow the buildup and the next match here at Guriball.