Former Champions England narrowly avoided a significant threat to continue their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey on Wednesday, with Harry Kane scoring two goals in the final moments to lead a 2-1 come-from-behind win against DR Congo in Atlanta, securing their spot in the Round of 16, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
Thomas Tuchel's team went into an early deficit when Brian Cipenga scored for DR Congo, and they had difficulty overcoming the African squad throughout most of the match.
England managed to stay in the match at halftime following an opportunity when DR Congo forward Yoane Wissa hit the woodwork despite having an open goal, while keeper Lionel Mpasi made several outstanding stops to keep the Three Lions from scoring.
As England faced an unexpected elimination, captain Kane equalized in the 75th minute by scoring with a header off substitute Anthony Gordon's pass.
England's captain sealed the reversal just four minutes remaining with his fifth goal of the competition, taking the ball near the penalty area, making an excellent turn, then firing a strong left-footed strike past Mpasi to finish the recovery.
England will now play against joint hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Monday, July 6.
The Democratic Republic of Congo's remarkable journey at the World Cup concludes as the Leopards made their return to the competition for the first time since 1974. They secured their place through a dramatic penalty shootout against Nigeria in the African qualifiers in November 2025.
Nigeria was defeated 4-3 in the penalty shoot-out, following which the Nigerian Football Association allegedly questioned the qualification of certain Democratic Republic of Congo players.
Nevertheless, FIFA rejected the appeal, enabling the Congolese team to advance to the intercontinental qualifiers, where they beat Jamaica 1-0, securing their spot in the World Cup.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo had an impressive campaign, drawing 1-1 with Portugal in their first game and later falling 1-0 against Colombia.
They subsequently defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 to advance to the elimination rounds, but their journey came to an end against England.
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