Harry Kane's Late Goals Propel England Past DR Congo in World Cup Thriller

In a nail-biting encounter, Harry Kane's late goals propelled England to a 2-1 victory over DR Congo, ensuring their advancement to the Round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup 2026. After a shaky start with DR Congo scoring early, England dominated possession but struggled to find the net until Kane's heroics in the final minutes. The captain's performance not only secured the win but also inspired young fans back home. This victory sets up an exciting clash with co-hosts Mexico, keeping England's World Cup hopes alive. Read on for a detailed account of this thrilling match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 2, 2026, 04:50 IST

Kane's Brilliance Secures England's Place in Round of 16

Atlanta [US], July 2: England's captain, Harry Kane, expressed immense pride in his teammates for their resilience, as his late goals salvaged a thrilling 2-1 victory against DR Congo, ensuring their progression to the Round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The match began with a shocking twist as Brian Cipenga scored for DR Congo just seven minutes in, putting England on the back foot. Despite dominating possession, England struggled to penetrate a well-organized DR Congo defense until Kane's late-game heroics turned the tide, setting up a clash with co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City.

After the match, Kane remarked, "I’m proud of the group, proud of the boys. We knew this game would be tough." He acknowledged the challenge posed by DR Congo's solid defense and their counter-attacking threats, particularly in the early stages.

Kane praised the opposition's goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi, for his remarkable saves, admitting there were moments when it felt like victory was slipping away. However, he emphasized the importance of maintaining belief and pushing forward, which ultimately led to his two crucial goals.

Throughout the match, England faced frustration due to DR Congo's disciplined defense and aggressive pressing, which even led to Jude Bellingham receiving a yellow card. In response, coach Thomas Tuchel made strategic substitutions, bringing on Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka to intensify their attack.

The breakthrough came in the 75th minute when Kane scored from close range after relentless pressure in the penalty area. Just minutes later, he sealed the win with his second goal, ending DR Congo's remarkable run in their first-ever World Cup knockout match.

Reflecting on the experience, Kane shared his hope that young fans watching back home were celebrating the victory. He recalled his own childhood dreams of playing in the World Cup and expressed his desire to inspire the next generation.

Kane concluded by emphasizing his commitment to leading by example on the pitch, ensuring that his performance brings joy to fans back home. After the final whistle, he gathered his teammates for a huddle, and they celebrated with supporters by singing Oasis's 'Wonderwall,' marking a hard-fought victory that kept their World Cup dreams alive.