An inspired Harry Kane scored a couple of goals that forever cemented himself in the history books and the hearts of England fans who denied what could have been one of those. Biggest World Cup upset ever.
With his strike, 11 minutes apart, the Democratic Republic of the Congo looked hopeless in the game for 69 minutes. As England went away in jubilation, Congo’s brave men – who defied the footballing powerhouse for most of the game – crumbled inexorably.
But the World Cup will not forget their courage. One of the deadliest strikers in the world to deny a piece of history, a second-half inspiration, a lovable man who suffered heartbreak in three major tournaments (World Cup and Euros).
Kane scored these goals with his will, technique and vision alone. A winner could become an iconic moment in English football.
Breathless after the match, unable to recall the events, Kane said; “We have hero moments, for me it was today.”
England’s Harry Kane (9) scores his team’s first goal against Congo during their World Cup Round of 32 soccer match Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Eric S. Lesser)
His back was to the goalkeeper when he picked up the ball on the edge of the Congolese box. The men in bright blue came together. He eluded them, turned lazily and sped down the left before curling and flashing a rising shot past Congolese custodian Lionel Mpasi, who had kept them in the game with a string of reflex saves. It was a brutal end to the Congolese resistance, but Kane didn’t want a brutal end for himself.
He could have imagined the fury of the home crowd, the media frenzy, the end of careers and multiple sackings, the team’s disillusionment and disarray. But England thankfully exclaimed: “It was Kane who saved the king.” When all his teammates seemed lost and lumbering, running on fumes, Kane showed up alone and lifted his troops in a personal performance that took him to England’s top spot. The England captain is associated with tragic flaws and flamboyance in clutch moments. Kane was mocked for not having a trophy on his shelf, an alleged poor choice when joining the club. Not that England loved him less, but now they would love him more.
Harry Kane scored the second goal for England
Harry Kane is back pic.twitter.com/AVEroJPxmu— GoalRush (@GRGoalRush) 1 July 2026
His first goal was not as aesthetic as the others, but important. With just 15 minutes left in the game, Kane rose above the circle of men in blue around him and leaped forward to the ball, the most memorable MPC ever.
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The Congolese goalkeeper almost clawed it away, but the power and direction were incredible. Congo’s 70 minutes of pure, glorious resistance ended brutally.
Kane shouted and motioned to the largely mute and hopeless audience to bring down the roof. England fans cheered by turning the arena in Atlanta into Wembley or Old Trafford. Their hope was treading on thin ice, slipping away with every passing moment. Then came the captain’s moment and then another.
Run for victory
But how messed up it all would have been. While breaching the Congo defensive wall, England forgot its own tasks. It had only been six minutes when their worst nightmare unfolded. Reece James, Tino Livramento and Jerel Kwanza, the fourth-choice right-backs – poor DJ Spence were all injured for the match – misjudged and saw the ball float to him. Brian Sipenga was unmarked and alone in the box waiting to make a mistake. He touched one to sink the surprise gift. The next second, he pulled the lever past a slightly confused Jordan Pickford.
England players and supporters looked distraught with their hands over their heads and mouths. The ghosts of the past would come running back.
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It wasn’t Spence’s fault alone, England’s backline was such a disorganized bunch of boys left on the park. The dynamism of the Congolese forwards surprised and they were unable to deal with their directness rather than pace. It was not just a test of character and skill, but of faith.
Harry Kane equalizes for England🏴
What an amazing goal pic.twitter.com/xzuKDcIoT0— GoalRush (@GRGoalRush) 1 July 2026
England close the handbrake, Declan Rice puts in an inspiring show. He made a killer pass for Jude Bellingham, but MPC pulled off a quicksilver save to deny him.
Shortly after, Axel Tuanzebe produced a strong block to turn Kane shy. The rebound fell invitingly into Rashford’s path, only for his former Manchester United teammate Aaron Wan-Bissaka to clear from the goal-line.
Mpasi sprung to the left to make another save on a powerful, low header from Bellingham. He made another save on the stroke of half-time, his strong legs turning Kane’s volley away from six yards. He made a double save seven minutes into the second half.
The ensuing game was played entirely in the Congolese half. England had to break three lines pressing hard against the blue walls. A Congolese version of Catenaccio was played. And an over-eager man and ice-cold proceeded to break it.