England Edges DR Congo 2-1 in World Cup Round of 32 Thanks to Kane Brace
In a FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match in Atlanta, England narrowly avoided a major upset against DR Congo, winning 2-1. Brian Cipenga gave DR Congo an early lead, but captain Harry Kane scored two late goals (75th and 86th minutes) to secure victory. Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi made several superb saves for DR Congo, while England's defense showed vulnerabilities. The win sends England to face co-host Mexico in Mexico City next.
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Kane Stars as England Beat DR Congo: British Press Hails 'Harry Houdini' and 'Captain Fantastic'
England advanced to the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over DR Congo. DR Congo's Brian Cipenga scored early in the 7th minute, and the Leopards held the lead for nearly 70 minutes. Captain Harry Kane then staged a comeback with a header in the 75th minute and a powerful shot in the 86th minute. The major British newspapers praised Kane effusively on their front pages: The Guardian called him 'Harry Houdini', the Daily Express used 'King Cong Kane' (a play on King Kong and Congo), the Telegraph dubbed him 'Captain Fantastic', and Star Sport said he holds the 'armband of God'. Kane has scored 5 goals in 4 World Cup matches so far, blanking only against Ghana.
RecordLineker jumps in for Kane: 'Enough already...'
England barely advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup by defeating DR Congo 2-1, thanks to two goals from captain Harry Kane. British media praised Kane as the savior but heavily criticized the team's overall performance and manager Thomas Tuchel, calling the squad 'dysfunctional.' Pundits including Gary Lineker warned that such displays will cause serious problems against stronger opponents. England now faces host nation Mexico in the knockout stage.
Fútbol en AS.comEngland vs DR Congo, FIFA World Cup 2026: England Wins 2-1 in Round of 32
England defeated DR Congo 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 in Atlanta, coming from behind thanks to a brace from captain Harry Kane. Substitute Anthony Gordon provided two assists. DR Congo took an early lead through Brian Cipenga in the 7th minute, but Kane equalized in the 75th minute and scored the winner in the 86th. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made key saves, while DR Congo's Lionel Mpasi also impressed. The victory sends England to a Round of 16 match against co-host Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. This was only England's second World Cup win after conceding first, the first being the 1966 final.
Yardbarker: SoccerHarry Kane's brace saves England and Tuchel against DRC in World Cup round of 16
England narrowly avoided a major upset in the World Cup round of 16 against the Democratic Republic of Congo, winning 2-1 thanks to a late brace from captain Harry Kane. The DRC took a surprise lead in the 7th minute through Brian Cipenga, exposing England's defensive weaknesses at right-back, a position manager Thomas Tuchel had struggled to fill. England dominated possession but lacked finishing edge, with Marcus Rashford missing several chances. Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi made several outstanding saves for DRC. After a tense second half, substitute Anthony Gordon provided two assists for Kane, who scored a header in the 75th minute and a stunning strike into the top corner in the 86th minute. The victory saved Tuchel from likely resignation pressure, though the team faces a much tougher test against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continu2026 World Cup: England Kneels Before Hero Harry Kane After DR Congo Win
England narrowly avoided a shock World Cup elimination, defeating DR Congo 2-1 in the round of 32. Trailing from the 6th minute, captain Harry Kane scored a brace late in the game to secure victory and qualification for the round of 16. The win came just after Germany's surprise exit to Paraguay. Kane equaled Just Fontaine for sixth place on the all-time World Cup goal scorers list (13 goals). English media and former players praised Kane's heroics, with the Daily Mail writing 'Kane saves our bacon,' and the Sun headlining 'Kane Kong.' Paul Robinson called Kane the leader of England, while Wayne Rooney described him as the best striker in the world. England will face Mexico in the next round.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertEngland 2-1 DR Congo: Harry Kane's Late Double Sends England to World Cup Round of 16
Harry Kane scored two second-half goals to lead England to a dramatic 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. DR Congo took a surprising lead in the 7th minute through Brian Cipenga, who beat England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford at the near post. Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi made several outstanding saves to preserve the lead, denying Jude Bellingham three times and blocking a powerful Kane shot. Kane equalized in the 75th minute with a header from an Anthony Gordon cross, despite Mpasi getting a hand to the ball. The England captain then scored the winner in the 86th minute, firing into the top corner. The victory sends England to the round of 16, where they will face co-host Mexico in Mexico City on Sunday. Kane now has five goals in the tournament and 13 World Cup goals overall, extending his record as England's all-time leading scorer.
Yardbarker: SoccerHarry Kane rescues England from World Cup embarrassment against DR Congo
England narrowly avoided a historic World Cup upset against DR Congo in Atlanta, winning 2-1 thanks to two late goals from Harry Kane. The defending champions looked set for a humiliating defeat after Brian Cipenga scored for DR Congo, exposing England's defensive frailties. Jordan Pickford had a poor game, conceding at his near post, while Jude Bellingham was denied three times by superb saves from DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. England also had a clear penalty denied. With 15 minutes remaining, Kane equalized with a header from an Anthony Gordon cross, then scored the winner in the 86th minute after a scramble. The narrow escape raised serious concerns about England's ability to face joint-hosts Mexico in the hostile Azteca stadium in the next round.
Mirror - FootballHarry Kane saves England against DR Congo; Captain's heroics set up World Cup clash with Mexico
England captain Harry Kane scored two goals in the final 15 minutes to overturn a 1-0 deficit against DR Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32, securing a 2-1 victory and a place in the last 16. DR Congo took a surprise lead through Brian Cipenga in the 7th minute at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. England struggled in the first half but improved after the break. Kane equalized with a header in the 75th minute and then scored a stunning solo goal in the 86th minute, surpassing Brazil legend Pelé's all-time World Cup goal tally (13 to 12). The win sets up a clash with co-hosts Mexico at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The article includes analysis from multiple journalists, highlighting Kane's genius intervention and areas England need to improve, particularly their composure and resolve.
Soccer - The AthleticHarry Kane Saves England Against DR Congo; Captain's Heroics Set Up World Cup Clash with Mexico
England captain Harry Kane scored two late goals to secure a 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the World Cup last-32 match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. DR Congo took a surprise lead through Brian Cipenga in the seventh minute, and England struggled in the first half. Kane equalized with a header in the 75th minute and scored a stunning solo goal four minutes from time, surpassing Brazil legend Pele in all-time World Cup goals (13 to 12). The win sends England into the last 16, where they will face co-hosts Mexico at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The analysis highlights Kane's genius intervention and areas for England to improve, including their resolve after conceding early.
Soccer - The Athletic