Kane's brace sends England past Congo in 2-1 comeback win

England advanced to the round of 16 at the 2026 North America World Cup, with Harry Kane leading the comeback against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

England fell behind early but rallied through two second-half goals from Kane to claim a 2-1 victory over Congo at Atlanta Stadium in Georgia on Thursday.

England, who topped Group L with seven points in the group stage, will face co-host Mexico in the round of 16 in Mexico City on Monday.

Despite England's clear advantage on paper, it was Congo who struck first. Chancel Mbemba launched a long cross-field ball forward, and Brian Sifunga finished it off with a sharp right-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area.

England, with Kane leading the attack and Marcus Rashford, Jude Bellingham and Noni Madueke in support, managed eight shots in the first half — including four on target — but could not find the net. Then, with defeat looming in the 75th minute, Anthony Gordon floated a perfectly weighted ball from the left side of the penalty area into the center, and Kane headed home the equalizer.

England pressed on and turned the game around in the 86th minute through Kane again. Bellingham's shot was blocked by Mpasi, Gordon collected the rebound and fed Kane, who drove a powerful right-footed shot into the net from the center of the penalty area to complete the comeback.

The two goals were Kane's fourth and fifth of the tournament, pulling him to within one of joint scoring leaders Lionel Messi of Argentina and Kylian Mbappe of France, who each have six. Kane's World Cup career tally now stands at 13 goals.

Gordon, who came on as a substitute in the 60th minute, assisted both of Kane's goals and played a central role in the turnaround.