World Cup – Kane scores twice as England defeat Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1

Another key match in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 took place, with England, the "Three Lions," defeating the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 after trailing by one goal, thanks to two goals from Kane.

Seven minutes into the match, Mbemba launched a long pass, and Brian Sipenga received the ball in the penalty area and seized the opportunity to fire a low shot into the net, giving the Democratic Republic of Congo a dream start of 1-0. In the 9th minute, DRC goalkeeper Mpassi appeared to be injured, but continued to play.

In the 15th minute, England striker Rashford crossed the ball, but it was saved by Democratic Republic of Congo goalkeeper Mpassi. In the 19th minute, Democratic Republic of Congo striker Mbuku was brought down by Bellingham while attempting a breakthrough, and the referee showed Bellingham a yellow card.

In the 30th minute, England attempted a counter-attack. Rice chipped the ball into the penalty area, and Bellingham headed it towards goal, but the shot was saved by the Democratic Republic of Congo goalkeeper Mpassi. In the 35th minute, Nico Aureli received a pass from Maduk and shot, but the ball went wide of the post.

In the 39th minute, Bellingham orchestrated an attack, and Maduk's follow-up shot was blocked by an opposing player. In the 42nd minute, Wan-Bissaka's cross touched an opposing player, and Visa received the ball and fired a low shot, but the ball hit the post.

In first-half stoppage time, Maduk delivered a cross, and Bellingham's header was saved by Democratic Republic of Congo goalkeeper Mpassi. Five minutes later, Rice took a corner, and Kane's volley was also cleared by Mpassi.

In the 51st minute of the second half, England intercepted the ball and launched a counter-attack. Rashford received a pass from Bellingham and fired a powerful shot, but the ball hit the side netting. In the 54th minute, Maduk crossed from the right, and Rashford's header went over the bar.

In the 61st minute, England substituted Saka and Gordon for Maduk and Rashford. In the 75th minute, Rice created an attacking opportunity, Gordon received the pass and delivered a cross, and Kane headed the ball into the net, helping England equalize 1-1.

In the 85th minute, Elliott Anderson chipped a pass to Gordon, whose header went wide. Shortly after, Democratic Republic of Congo striker Mesak Elia received the ball and fired a low shot, but England goalkeeper Pickford made the save. In the 86th minute, Gordon dealt with the defense and passed to Kane, who followed up with a powerful shot that found the back of the net, giving England a 2-1 lead.

In the 90th minute, Kane received a pass from Elliott Anderson and unleashed a long-range shot, but the ball went wide of the goal. In stoppage time of the second half, Visa took a free kick and shot directly, but the ball went over the post.

England ultimately defeated the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 to advance to the round of 16.

Image source: Internet