Kane’s late goals save England from World Cup upset against DR Congo

By Mason Reed — 1 July 2026 — 4 min read

England Secures Victory After Early Setback

England secured a 2-1 victory over DR Congo in a World Cup match, with Harry Kane scoring both goals to prevent what could have been a significant upset. DR Congo initially took the lead with an early goal from Brian Cipenga, putting England at risk of an early exit from the tournament. However, Kane’s late equalizer and subsequent winning goal ensured England’s progression.

The match saw England facing a determined DR Congo side, which had not conceded more than one goal in any of its three group-stage games, including against Portugal. Despite England’s eventual win, the early stages of the game were challenging for the team, with DR Congo seizing momentum and maintaining a lead for a considerable period.

Key Performances and Turning Points

Anthony Gordon, coming off the bench for England, provided two assists, both for Kane. This achievement placed Gordon in notable company, as it marked only the second time since 1966 that a player assisted the same teammate twice in a World Cup match. The first instance involved Bobby Moore assisting Geoff Hurst in the 1966 final. Gordon also became the first England player in World Cup history to be directly involved in more than one goal as a substitute.

The first hydration break in the match proved to be a turning point for England. Before this interval, England struggled, and DR Congo held the advantage. However, following the break, England found its rhythm and improved its performance, ultimately leading to their comeback victory. Head coach Thomas Tuchel highlighted the importance of coming from behind for his team’s mentality, noting that such experiences build genuine belief within the squad.

DR Congo’s goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi, delivered a strong performance, making several crucial saves throughout the match. Born in Paris to Congolese parents, Mpasi has primarily played professionally for Rodez in the French second tier and has been the undisputed number one for his country for nearly three years. His saves, including two denials of Jude Bellingham from close range, kept DR Congo in contention for much of the game. Despite his efforts, he was unable to stop Kane’s decisive goals.

Elliot Anderson, making his debut major tournament appearance for England, showed improvement as the game progressed, finishing as one of his team’s better players. Anderson is reportedly the subject of a significant transfer to Manchester City. Declan Rice also contributed with a tireless performance, even moving to right-back after Eberechi Eze was introduced in the 70th minute, a tactical adjustment potentially influenced by injuries to Reece James and Jarell Quansah.

Kane’s Continued Impact and Future Matchup

Kane’s brace in the match further solidified his reputation as a prolific goalscorer. He is now recognized as the most prolific European goalscorer in major championship knockout matches since Euro 2020, having scored 10 goals in 11 knockout matches across the World Cup and European Championships. This record places him ahead of Kylian Mbappe, who has seven goals in the same period. With his two goals, Kane also surpassed Pelé in the World Cup scoring charts.

Kane’s late heroics were crucial, especially after a controversial moment in the first half involving a collision with Mpasi in the box, which did not result in a penalty for England after a video review. Despite this, Kane found a way to deliver for his team, as he acknowledged after the match, stating, “We had to find moments, we had to find something when it looked like things were against us.”

England’s coach, Thomas Tuchel, praised the commitment and team spirit of his entire squad, including players who did not get minutes, highlighting their positive attitude and support. He emphasized that the team is “full of belief” after overcoming the challenge posed by DR Congo.

Looking ahead, England is scheduled to play co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca for a spot in the quarter-finals. This upcoming match presents new challenges, including playing at altitude. England will need to improve its resolve, manage pressure effectively, and be clinical in front of goal, especially since Mexico has yet to concede a goal in this World Cup, winning four times on home soil. Defending the box will also be a critical aspect for England to address against Mexico.

Kane, who has scored a record 84 goals for the English national team, expressed confidence in his preparation, stating, “I’m feeling as good as I’ve ever felt. Ultimately when I get onto the pitch, I know all the work I’ve done behind the scenes will make me ready for big moments.”

The team will need to maintain its focus and continue to perform at a high level if they aim to advance further in the tournament. England will face Mexico in four days.

Source: nytimes.com

Mason Reed

Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.