World Cup 2026: Harry Kane's late brilliance saves England from stunning upset against DR Congo

ATLANTA — The leopards got out to a big lead, but the lions finally ran them down. After 75 terrifying minutes, England's Harry Kane finally equalized an early Congo goal, then added another to send England to a 2-1 win. The Three Lions now prepare for the daunting challenge of facing Mexico in Mexico City, while Les Léopards can take pride in going farther in the World Cup than any Congolese team before them.  From the jump, this was a match of nervous anticipation against frenetic jubilation. The Three Lions have been chasing a World Cup championship for the last 60 years, falling short time after heartbreaking time . Les Léopards, meanwhile, are playing in just their second World Cup ever, and its first knockout stage match.  England, as always, had history on their side: the English had beaten both of their previous African knockout opponents (Cameroon 1990 and Senegal 2022). Congo, meanwhile, was playing with house money … and almost immediately drew a royal flush.  Just seven minutes into the match, Brian Cipenga streaked untouched down the left side of England's territory, holding his hand to call for the ball. When it arrived, Cipenga didn't hesitate, lasering a shot past Jordan Pickford just inside the left post: He will dance his dance! And a nation, and a continent will dance with him! 🗣️ @DFletcherSport What a moment for Cipenga and DR Congo pic.twitter.com/TZJsvYrZvl — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 1, 2026 It was a striking moment for Cipenga, for DR Congo, for all of Africa, and Cipenga reveled in it. He unleashed the best celebration of the World Cup to date, a full-extension flip of absolute exultation: WHAT A CELLY FROM CIPENGA 🇨🇩 pic.twitter.com/8RN15SqYAX — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 1, 2026 Naturally, England responded to this unexpected early setback with composure and grace … if instant surrender cobras in the stands and barking on the pitch count as "composure." The Three Lions slouched their way into the first hydration break, a definite necessity in the climate-controlled Atlanta Stadium, and as they walked toward the bench, the assembled English faithful rained down boos from the rafters. After the break, England came out more determined and purposeful, mounting strike after strike on Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. Every attempt fell short, but the effort put a charge into the surly English fans in attendance.  Just before the half came two moments that could have altered the entire match. In the 42nd minute, Yoane Wissa — hero of Congo's win against Uzbekistan on this very field a few nights prior — broke free and had a clear shot on goal, but fired the ball off the right post. Then, barely a minute later, Kane charged into the box, only to collide with Mpasi and sprawl out on the turf. Kane, the fans in Atlanta and pretty much the entire United Kingdom wanted a penalty kick, but even a video review declined to give him a shot. As the squads left the field for the half, England held slight advantages in most statistical categories, but Congo held the edge in the only one that really mattered.  England put Mpasi's goalkeeping wizardry to the test early in the second half, and the Congolese keeper survived challenge after challenge. But on the other end of the pitch, England's defense was incredibly fragile, giving Congo's attackers room to create. With all the action around both goals, it appeared inevitable that either an equalizer or a dagger was coming.  Finally, in the 75th minute, Kane took matters into his own skull, heading a beautiful cross into the net for an equalizer that made a nation of millions exhale: HARRY KANE TO THE RESCUE 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England draws level! pic.twitter.com/S3BpBJzJim — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 1, 2026 Ten minutes later, relief turned to glee as Kane did it again, this time rifling a shot into the top right corner of the goal, well out of Mpasi's reach: HARRY KANE BAGS HIS BRACE AND GIVES ENGLAND THE LATE LEAD 😱 An incredible goal from the captain! pic.twitter.com/4HRO7YVSkM — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 1, 2026 The brace sent England on to the next round of the knockout stage, their confidence restored and their hope renewed. It also moved Kane ahead of the great Pelé on the all-time World Cup scoring list with 13 goals. This wasn't a vintage English performance, but it was a nervy one, especially as the minutes ticked down and the score remained 1-0. There are plenty of errors for England to clean up, particularly on the defensive end, but as long as Kane runs free, the Three Lions have a fighting chance. Congo as a team, and Mpasi as a keeper, will leave this World Cup with high hopes and high expectations for the years to come. This was just one in a series of English victories, but it was the Cup of a lifetime for Congo, the kind of run they'll tell stories about for years to come. And perhaps when these teams meet again in four, eight or 20 years, the score will be very different as a result.