Atlanta, July 2: In a thrilling match during the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026, England staged a remarkable comeback to defeat DR Congo 2-1, securing their place in the Round of 16. Captain Harry Kane scored both goals in the second half, leading his team to a memorable victory. After the match, Kane described this win as one of his favorites while wearing the England jersey.
The game, held at Atlanta Stadium, saw DR Congo take an early lead with a goal from Bryan Sipeanga. England had several opportunities in the first half, but the opposing goalkeeper made some outstanding saves. Despite this, England maintained their composure and made a strong comeback in the second half.
In the 75th minute, Kane equalized with a header, making the score 1-1. The match became increasingly exciting as time ticked down. Just four minutes before the end of regulation, Kane scored his second and decisive goal with a powerful shot, sealing the victory at 2-1. With this win, England advanced to the Round of 16, where they will face Mexico.
After the match, Kane acknowledged the challenge posed by DR Congo, praising their performance. He expressed confidence that if the team kept pushing, opportunities would arise. “It was a tough match, but we stayed patient. We believed our time would come. Winning like this after a comeback feels fantastic,” Kane stated.
He emphasized that any player on the team could become a hero at any moment. Sometimes it’s the goalkeeper’s save or a defender’s block that makes the difference. For Kane, that moment came when he scored two goals to secure the win. He mentioned that he always strives to lead by example, which he considers his greatest responsibility.
With this match, Kane has now scored a total of 13 goals in World Cup history, surpassing the legendary Pelé and tying with France’s Just Fontaine. Only Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Miroslav Klose, Ronaldo, and Gerd Müller have more goals than him in World Cup history.
Kane also achieved another milestone, becoming the first England player to score two goals in a World Cup knockout match since Gary Lineker in 1990. England’s head coach, Thomas Tuchel, praised Kane as a true leader who consistently makes a difference in crucial matches. Tuchel highlighted Kane’s second goal as exceptional, which ultimately decided the match. He noted that top strikers like Kane, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Lionel Messi excel at seizing scoring opportunities.
Midfielder Declan Rice also commended Kane, stating that he is in fantastic form and continuously finding the back of the net. Rice remarked that Kane is not only a captain but also an inspiration for the team, making his presence a significant asset for any squad.
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