Harry Kane scored two late goals as England beat DR Congo 2-1 in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. England came from behind to reach the Round of 16, where they will face Mexico on July 5. DR Congo were ahead for most of the match and nearly won. Kane’s late goals changed the result and ended DR Congo’s World Cup campaign.
DR Congo take early lead
DR Congo scored first and put England under pressure in the opening knockout round. England struggled to find a way back as the African side defended its advantage. The match stayed in DR Congo’s favour for most of the game. England needed a late response to avoid an early exit from the tournament.
DR Congo had reached the Round of 32 after progressing from Group K. The team finished behind Portugal and ahead of Uzbekistan and Colombia to reach the knockout stage.
Kane scores late goals
Kane scored twice near the end to turn the match around for England. His goals gave England a 2-1 lead after DR Congo had looked set to advance. The England captain has been the team’s main scorer across recent major tournaments. He won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup after scoring six goals in Russia.
Kane also helped England reach the Euro 2020 final and the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals. England will now need him to keep scoring as the tournament moves into the Round of 16.
England avoid early exit
England had finished top of Group L before reaching the knockout stage. The team progressed ahead of Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
The win over DR Congo gave England its first knockout victory of the tournament. It also kept the team in the lower half of the bracket, where Mexico are now waiting.
England have reached the later stages of recent major tournaments but have not won a World Cup since 1966. The team lost the Euro 2024 final to Spain and entered the 2026 tournament looking to end its long wait for a major title.
England face Mexico next
England will face Mexico in the Round of 16 on July 5. Mexico reached this stage after beating Ecuador 2-0 in the Round of 32. The winner will move into a quarter-final on July 11. Brazil and Norway will play in the other Round of 16 match on the same side of the draw.
England and Mexico have met twice at the World Cup. England won 2-0 in the 1966 group stage and beat Mexico 3-1 in the Round of 16 at the 1986 tournament.
