Late Harry Kane Double Seals England’s Comeback Win Over DR Congo, Securing World Cup Round of 16 Spot

England Advances to the Round of 16

According to Главком: England has secured its place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 2-1 victory over DR Congo. The match, played in the Round of 32, proved to be a pivotal moment for both sides. Goals were scored at crucial intervals, keeping the outcome uncertain until the final whistle.

DR Congo struck first when Sipenga found the net in the 7th minute following an assist from Mbemba. However, England refused to back down and mounted a successful comeback. Striker Harry Kane emerged as the hero, scoring twice-first in the 75th minute and then again in the 86th-to turn the game around. Kane’s brace was decisive in propelling his team into the next stage of the tournament.

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In the Round of 16, England will face Mexico in what promises to be a challenging encounter. The English squad, under the guidance of manager Thomas Tuchel, has been performing impressively throughout the competition. On the other side, DR Congo’s head coach, Sébastien Desabre, will need to reassess his team’s approach following the defeat.

Elsewhere in the football world, several significant developments have taken place:

• Ecuador suffered a 2-0 loss to Mexico, a result that led to the dismissal of head coach Sebastián Beccacece. He had been in charge of the Ecuadorian national team for two years.
• FIFA has granted permission for the Russian youth team to compete in the World Championship scheduled for autumn in Azerbaijan. This tournament, featuring 15-year-old players, marks an important milestone for young footballers.

The 2026 World Cup continues to captivate fans not only with thrilling matches but also with coaching changes across several national teams.

England’s victory underscores their ambition in this tournament and highlights the strength of the squad under Tuchel’s leadership. The upcoming match against Mexico is set to be intense, as both teams are determined to make their mark on the global stage.

As England prepares for their next challenge against Mexico in the Round of 16, it's worth noting their impressive performance in the tournament so far. In their opening match, they showcased their strength by defeating Croatia 4-2, setting a strong tone for their campaign. For a detailed recap of that thrilling encounter, check out how England dominated Croatia in their first game of the 2026 World Cup here.