World Cup: Kane shines as England pip DR Congo to set up Mexico clash
Harry Kane produced a match-winning performance to lead England to a 2-1 win over DR Congo to book their place in the 2026 World Cup round of 16 on Wednesday.
Brian Cipenga opened the scoring with a clinical finish in the seventh minute to stun the Three Lions.
DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was impressive in the first half with a series of stunning saves to deny England.
However, He was lucky not to concede a penalty after he fouled Harry Kane in the box but the referee waved play on.
The Congolese held on to take the 1-0 lead into the break as England struggled to get the breakthrough.
England resumed the second half with intent and purpose but DR Congo was compact in their defending.
Later in the second half, Thomas Tuchel brought on Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka for Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford.
Few minutes later, Gordon contributed to the leveller when he assisted Harry Kane to make it 1-1 in the 75th minute.
The Barcelona forward produced a pinpoint cross for Harry Kane to head in his fourth goal of the tournament.
Gordon turned provider again in the 86th minute with another assist for Harry Kane to send England through to the round of 16.
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Congo’s goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi denied Jude Bellingham with a superb save before Gordon played in Harry Kane to finish with aplomb, making it 2-1.
England will now take on Mexico in the round of 16 on Sunday night.
Top Stats From England vs DR Congo
100 – Courtesy of Anthony Gordon’s assist, Premier League players (those who played in the English top-flight in 2025-26) have registered 100 goal involvements at the World Cup in 2026 (54 goals, 46 assists). That’s 52 more than any other league.
30 – Jude Bellingham’s 30th minute header was England’s longest wait on record for a shot in a FIFA World Cup match (since 1966).
75% – Yoane Wissa has scored 75% of Congo DR’s goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup (3/4), averaging a goal every 90 minutes in the tournament. This is as many as he netted in the 2025-26 season for Newcastle United (3).
Since the 2018 World Cup, only Kylian Mbappé (6) has scored more braces at the World Cup than Harry Kane (3).
