ATLANTA — England narrowly avoided one of the most shocking exits in their World Cup history, relying on talismanic captain Harry Kane to produce a late rescue act. Thomas Tuchel’s side came from behind to down a resilient DR Congo 2-1 at the Atlanta Stadium, securing a hard-fought ticket to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16.
The Leopards, making a fairytale return to the world stage after 52 years, threatened a seismic upset early on. In the 7th minute, Almeria winger Brian Cipenga silenced a crowd of nearly 70,000 when he capitalized on a crossfield ball flicked on by Chancel Mbemba, slotting a clinical low shot past Jordan Pickford at his near post.
A visibly rattled England side struggled to compose themselves in the first half. Jude Bellingham, who was booked early on for a lunging tackle, was even spotted exchanging heated words with coach Thomas Tuchel during a mid-half hydration break. DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi proved to be an impenetrable wall before halftime, denying two powerful headers from Bellingham and blocking a close-range volley from Kane. At the other end, Yoane Wissa missed a golden chance to make it 2-0 for the African nation, rattling the outside of the post from point-blank range.
However, Tuchel’s second-half substitutions changed the complexion of the match. The introduction of Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka injected urgency into England’s wide play. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 75th minute when Gordon floated a precise cross for Kane to head home his 12th career World Cup finals goal.
Just eleven minutes later, Kane completed the dramatic turnaround. Picking up a pass from Gordon on the edge of the box, the skipper turned cleverly away from his marker and unleashed an unstoppable, rising blast into the top corner.
The victory marks a historic milestone for the Three Lions; for the first time in their history, England won a World Cup match after trailing at half-time. England’s reward is a mouthwatering Round of 16 showdown against co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City on July 6.
