Kane's late double saves England from World Cup upset against DR Congo

England 2-1 DR Congo Harry Kane scored twice in the closing stages to rescue England from one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup history, inspiring a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday. The England captain struck twice in the final 15 minutes after Brian Cipenga's first-half goal had put the African side on the brink of a famous victory, sending the Three Lions into the last 16 where they will face co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca on Sunday. For long spells, Thomas Tuchel's side looked destined for a humiliating exit against a DR Congo team playing in the World Cup for the first time in 52 years. Instead, Kane once again proved England's saviour. The striker's brace took his tally to five goals at this tournament and 13 across his World Cup career, keeping him firmly in the race for the Golden Boot while further extending his record as England's all-time leading scorer at the global finals. England made a nervous start and were punished early after Tuchel's injury-hit defence was exposed. With Reece James and Jarell Quansah unavailable, Djed Spence was handed a start at right-back but was caught underneath Chancel Mbemba's cross, allowing Brian Cipenga to pounce. The Almería winger drilled a low effort towards Jordan Pickford's near post, and although the goalkeeper got a hand to the ball, he could only help it into the net. The goal sparked belief among the Leopards, who had already exceeded expectations by reaching the knockout stage after ending a 52-year World Cup absence. England struggled to respond as frustration grew. Jude Bellingham was booked for a reckless challenge before becoming involved in a heated exchange with Tuchel during the first-half cooling break, highlighting the tension within the England camp. Gradually, the Three Lions began to assert themselves. Bellingham forced Lionel Mpasi into an excellent save with a powerful header before Marcus Rashford saw a goal-bound effort brilliantly cleared off the line by former England defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, now representing DR Congo. The African side, however, remained dangerous on the counterattack and almost doubled their lead before the break. Yoane Wissa, already with three goals in the tournament, was presented with a golden opportunity but could only strike the outside of the post from close range. Mpasi then produced two more outstanding saves before half-time, first tipping over another Bellingham header before denying Kane from close range to preserve DR Congo's advantage. With time running out, Tuchel turned to his bench, introducing Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze in a bold attempt to rescue the match. The changes transformed England. Gordon, recently signed by Barcelona, made an immediate impact, delivering an inviting cross that Kane powered into the ground and beyond Mpasi with 15 minutes remaining to restore parity. The equaliser lifted England and finally broke the resistance of a DR Congo side that had defended heroically throughout. Four minutes from time, Gordon was again the provider, picking out Kane inside the penalty area. The captain controlled expertly before rifling a powerful finish into the roof of the net to complete the comeback and spare England's blushes. For the Leopards, the defeat marked a heartbreaking end to a memorable campaign. England, meanwhile, march on but after surviving such a major scare, they know a much-improved display will be required against a confident Mexico side in the last 16.

World Cup 2026

Kane's late double saves England from World Cup upset against DR Congo