DistantNews
Support us
๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡จ Ecuador /Sports

Harry Kane saves England and eliminates DR Congo from the 2026 World Cup

From El Comercio · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • England qualified for the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 with a 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in Atlanta.
  • DR Congo took an early lead in the first half, but Harry Kane scored two goals in the second half to secure the win.
  • England will play Mexico in the next round.

Harry Kane rescued England, scoring twice to secure a 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo and a spot in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16. The dramatic comeback in Atlanta sets up a clash with Mexico in the next stage.

DR Congo struck first in the seventh minute when Brian Cipenga capitalized on a long ball into the area, beating the English goalkeeper to put his team ahead. The goal shifted the game's momentum, with England, who had started with initiative, finding themselves behind.

Despite having more possession, England struggled to find an equalizer before halftime. In the second half, England intensified their pressure. Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau made several key saves, denying Marcus Rashford and Jude Bellingham, and keeping DR Congo's lead intact until the 74th minute.

Kane finally broke through with a header in the 74th minute to level the score. Buoyed by the equalizer, England continued to attack. Kane then completed the comeback in the 85th minute with a powerful strike to seal the victory.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Comercio in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.