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By Vikram Iyer — 2 July 2026 — 3 min read

England secured a victory against DR Congo in a match that saw Harry Kane deliver a match-winning performance. The game, part of the World Cup knockout phase, was marked by a dramatic comeback from England, who initially trailed after Brian Cipenga scored for DR Congo in the seventh minute.

Despite dominating possession and territory, Thomas Tuchel‘s team struggled to convert their opportunities until Kane’s decisive intervention in the second half. The DR Congo goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi, was noted for his outstanding performance, making several saves against England’s attacking efforts.

Kane’s Record-Breaking Performance

Kane’s impact was particularly significant within an 11-minute period in the second half. His first goal, an equaliser in the 75th minute, came from a cross delivered by substitute Anthony Gordon. This goal brought Kane’s World Cup tally to 12, drawing him level with Pelé on the all-time scoring chart for the tournament.

Not content with parity, Kane scored his second goal in the 86th minute, again assisted by Gordon. This strike moved him to 13 career World Cup goals, surpassing Pelé’s record. The brace also increased Kane’s goal count in the 2026 FIFA World Cup to five, placing him alongside Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot standings, with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé ahead with six goals each.

The forward’s two goals against DR Congo also had a significant impact on England’s World Cup history. His career knockout-stage tally in the tournament now stands at five goals, moving him past Sir Geoff Hurst, whose four knockout goals were a long-standing achievement since the 1966 World Cup triumph. Only Gary Lineker, with six World Cup knockout goals, remains ahead of Kane on England’s all-time list.

Kane’s international achievements extend beyond World Cup milestones. He has now scored 20 goals in major international tournaments for England, comprising 13 goals at the FIFA World Cup and seven at the UEFA European Championship. He is also England’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer with 84 goals in 117 international appearances and holds the record for the most goals scored by an England player at major tournaments.

Looking Ahead to Mexico

The victory means England will proceed to a Round of 16 meeting against co-hosts Mexico. The upcoming match is anticipated to be challenging, with considerations of heat and altitude in Mexico.

The World Cup continues to deliver unexpected results and diverse tactical approaches. While European football had seen a trend towards a specific style, the tournament has showcased various methods, including Paraguay‘s traditional 4-4-2 formation and the Germans’ approach of playing the ball into the box for attacking players.

The performance of goalkeepers has also been a highlight, with Lionel Mpasi of DR Congo delivering a notable display against England. Despite his team’s defeat, Mpasi’s saves against Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Marcus Rashford were a significant part of the match.

The tournament has seen several established football nations pushed to their limits by teams like Japan, DR Congo, and Paraguay. The competition has also seen the elimination of Germany and the Netherlands, with Brazil narrowly progressing against Japan, suggesting a potential shift in the traditional power dynamics of the World Cup.

England’s journey in the tournament continues with their Round of 16 fixture against Mexico.

Source: bbc.com