7 sources·Started 35d ago·Updated 26d ago

Kane's double rescues England against DR Congo at World Cup 2026

Harry KaneEnglandDR CongoThomas TuchelBrian CipengaLionel MpasiMexicoWorld Cup 2026

Sources

7outlets

CNANCNAJBBEU

Coverage

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Harry Kane scored two second-half goals to snatch England a 2-1 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo and a place in the World Cup last 16 Source: AP News. The match looked set for a historic upset after Brian Cipenga gave DR Congo a shock lead in the seventh minute Source: CNN.

The scare

DR Congo, playing in the knockout stage for the first time in 52 years, led 1-0 at halftime despite England's dominance Source: Al Jazeera. Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi made several fine saves, including a point-blank stop from Jude Bellingham, while England had a penalty appeal denied when Kane was brought down Source: CNN. Manager Thomas Tuchel admitted the team's press was wrong early on but praised their refusal to accept defeat: “They just didn't accept it, and it makes me very proud” Source: CNA.

The fightback

Tuchel introduced Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze in the second half Source: Al Jazeera. Gordon set up Kane's 74th-minute equaliser with a cross that the captain headed home. Kane then scored a stunning winner in the 86th minute, firing into the top corner Source: Euronews. “It was just about pounding the rock,” Kane said Source: Euronews.

What's next

Story timeline · 4 earlier headlines

DR Congo reach World Cup knockouts with comeback win over Uzbekistan30d ago · 4 sources
Kane double rescues England, sets up Mexico clash26d ago · 4 sources
England survive Congo scare, Kane double seals last-16 spot26d ago · 5 sources
Kane's late double saves England from World Cup upset against DR Congo26d ago · 6 sources
Kane's double rescues England against DR Congo at World Cup 2026current

Sources

8 quotes

CNA↗

“"They just didn't accept it, and it makes me very proud because they did what was necessary. The going got tough today, and then they showed up, and we got the deserved win."”

AP News↗

“Harry Kane scored two second-half goals to help England rally for a 2-1 victory over Congo and a spot in the round of 16 at the World Cup on Wednesday.”

CNN↗

“The Congolese shocked the mostly English crowd in Atlanta when Brian Cipenga was left unmarked at the far post on a cross in the seventh minute.”

Al Jazeera↗

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England now face co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday Source: BBC. Tuchel acknowledged the altitude challenge: “We cannot physically adapt to it in four days. It's just impossible” Source: CNA. Fans reacted with relief and joy, with one supporter saying, “I knew Harry Kane would come good in the end” Source: The Guardian.

“Defeat ended DR Congo's fairytale run on their return to the World Cup for the first time in 52 years.”

BBC↗

“Struggling until after the 70th minute mark, captain Harry Kane came to his team's rescue - scoring two goals in the final stages, avoiding a major upset, and securing England's place in the last 16.”

Euronews↗

“"It was just about pounding the rock, keep pounding the rock and our moment would come."”

The Guardian↗

“"I knew Harry Kane would come good in the end," she said. "Wonderful."”

CNA↗

“"Let them watch football," Tuchel said. "There's so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years."”

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