By Kwame Bediako
England survived a major scare to beat DR Congo 2-1 and reach the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Harry Kane scored twice, including a late winner, after Brian Cipenga gave DR Congo an early lead.
DR Congo made life extremely difficult for England, with goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi producing several excellent saves and Yoane Wissa also going close before halftime.
England kept pushing, finally equalised through Kane’s header in the 75th minute, and then completed the comeback in the 86th when their captain curled home a superb strike from the edge of the area.
Despite the loss, DR Congo earned plenty of credit for pushing one of the tournament favourites all the way. England now move into the last 16 after one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament.
