Harry Kane scored twice in the final 15 minutes to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 victory for England against DR Congo in the 2026 World Cup round of 32, sending the Three Lions into the last 16 and sparking calls for a knighthood. The match, played in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 1, 2026, saw England struggle for long periods before their captain produced two moments of brilliance to keep their tournament alive.
England went behind after just seven minutes when DR Congo's Brian Cipenga opened the scoring. The first half was sluggish for Thomas Tuchel's side, and they were denied a potential penalty when Kane appeared to be brought down by DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, but referee Adham Makhadmeh awarded a free-kick to the African side for simulation. With 15 minutes left, Kane nodded a header home to level the scores, then smashed in a rocket from the edge of the area in the 86th minute to seal the win.
“Harry Kane's late double saved England against DR Congo in the World Cup round of 32.”
The knockout stage of a World Cup is a single-elimination tournament where every match is do-or-die. England's progression means they will face co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Monday, July 6, in the round of 16. Kane's heroics have reignited belief that England can go all the way, with fans on social media demanding a knighthood if they win the tournament. One fan wrote: "We win this World Cup, give Harry Kane a knighthood IMMEDIATELY."
For UK readers, England's World Cup run is a matter of national pride and a rare chance for the men's team to win the trophy since 1966. Kane, now 32 and playing for Bayern Munich, is the team's talisman. His ability to rescue the side from a shock exit against DR Congo shows his importance. But the match also exposed defensive frailties, with England conceding early and struggling to create chances until Kane's intervention. Wayne Rooney, quoted in the Standard, described the performance as "big trouble" and said Tuchel "gets answers" but concerns remain.
The background to this match is England's group stage performance. They had earlier beaten Croatia, but Kane acknowledged after the DR Congo game that "there are still things to work on." Tuchel, the German coach appointed after Gareth Southgate's departure, is under pressure to deliver a deep run. The win over DR Congo was, in Kane's words, "our best game of the tournament" in terms of attacking play, but the defence is a major concern.
Why does this matter to UK readers? Because England are now one step away from a quarter-final spot. A win against Mexico in the Azteca, a notoriously difficult venue for visiting teams, would set up a potential clash with another heavyweight. Kane's leadership and goal-scoring are central to England's hopes. The Mirror reported that fans joked Kane should become prime minister because "he seems more committed to the UK (England)."
Q: How did England beat DR Congo? England came from 1-0 down with two goals from Harry Kane in the final 15 minutes. His first was a header, his second a powerful strike from the edge of the area, securing a 2-1 win.
Q: Why is Harry Kane being called for a knighthood? Kane's match-saving double against DR Congo, after a difficult first half, has led fans to demand a knighthood if England win the World Cup. His status as England's captain and all-time leading scorer adds weight to the calls.
Q: What are England's weaknesses after this match? The defence was exposed early, conceding in the seventh minute, and the team struggled to create chances until Kane's late double. The Standard's player ratings noted the defence as a "major concern."
What happens next? England will face Mexico in the round of 16 on Monday, July 6, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The match is a daunting away fixture against one of the tournament co-hosts. Kane told the BBC: "These rounds are about going through. We have to grind wins out." If England win, they will advance to the quarter-finals, with the opponent depending on other results.