England vs DR Congo result, highlights & stats

England advanced to the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup after a late comeback against DR Congo in Atlanta, winning 2-1. The match swung after captain Harry Kane delivered two decisive goals in the closing stages, overturning an early deficit. DR Congo took the lead when Chancel Mbemba found Brian Cipenga with a switch pass, and Cipenga finished low past Jordan Pickford into the bottom corner. England struggled early but improved after the first-half hydration break, including a defensive clearance by Aaron Wan-Bissaka against Marcus Rashford. DR Congo nearly added a second when Yoane Wissa struck a cross against the post. Kane’s first goal came from a header off Anthony Gordon’s cross, following a denied penalty appeal, and his second came after evading defenders for a right-foot finish into the roof of the net.