The ball had barely settled in the net before a water bottle hit the floor and England's World Cup hopes were hanging by a thread. Thomas Tuchel's furious reaction to DR Congo's seventh-minute opener summed up the tension of a knockout match that saw England come from behind to win 2-1 thanks to a Harry Kane brace in the final 15 minutes. The round of 32 clash in Atlanta was marred by a BBC technical issue that cut out the broadcast for several seconds during a crucial moment, leaving fans at home furious. The match also featured a penalty controversy when Kane went down under contact from goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, with pundits divided on whether it was a dive or a clear spot kick.
England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, faced DR Congo in the first knockout round of the 2026 World Cup. The African nation took a surprise lead in the seventh minute when Brian Cipenga, who plays for Spanish side UD Almeria, slotted past Jordan Pickford at the near post. England struggled to create clear chances until the 75th minute, when Harry Kane scored his fourth goal of the tournament to equalise. Kane then added a second in the 86th minute, firing into the top right corner to seal a last-16 spot. During the match, BBC's coverage suffered a technical issue that caused the broadcast to cut out for several seconds, sparking fury among viewers who missed part of the action, including near misses and the build-up to goals. Fans also vented frustration at the performance of certain players, with one star criticised for going missing during DR Congo's goal.
“England's dramatic 2-1 win over DR Congo in the World Cup round of 32, featuring Harry Kane's late double, a penalty controversy, and a BBC technical issue.”
Knockout football at a World Cup is unforgiving. A single mistake or moment of brilliance can decide a tie, and the pressure on England — a team that has not won a major tournament since 1966 — is immense. The use of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) adds another layer of tension. In this match, referee Adham Makhadmeh decided not to award a penalty after a VAR check when Kane went down after contact with Mpasi's arm. Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, on commentary, said there was contact and called it a penalty, while Wayne Rooney took the opposite stance, claiming Kane dived. The incident highlighted the ongoing debate over VAR and diving in football.
For UK readers, this match had all the drama that makes the World Cup a national obsession. England's progress to the last 16 means fans can continue to dream of football coming home, though the team now faces a tough tie against co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City. The BBC technical issue also raised questions about the reliability of free-to-air broadcasts for major sporting events, especially during crucial moments. Many fans took to social media to complain about missing key action, underscoring how dependent viewers are on seamless coverage.
Q: Why did Thomas Tuchel throw the water bottle? Tuchel was visibly frustrated after DR Congo's early goal and as England struggled to break down the opposition. He hurled the water bottle to the floor as he watched his team's World Cup dream appear to slip away before Kane's late heroics.
Q: Was Harry Kane's penalty appeal a dive? The incident split opinion. Alan Shearer said there was clear contact and it was a penalty, while Wayne Rooney claimed Kane dived. The referee did not award a spot kick after a VAR check, deciding the contact was not sufficient.
Q: What was the BBC technical issue? During the match, the BBC's broadcast cut out for several seconds, particularly during a crucial moment. Fans were left furious as they missed parts of the action, including near misses and the build-up to goals.
England's next match is against Mexico in Mexico City on Monday at 1am (UK time). The winner will advance to the quarter-finals. Germany and the Netherlands have already been eliminated on penalties in the round of 32, while France, Spain, Brazil and Argentina remain serious contenders.