--- title: "Kane’s brace fires England past DR Congo into World Cup 2026 last 16" description: "Harry Kane’s two goals seal a 2-0 victory as England open their World Cup 2026 campaign with a statement win over DR Congo." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/angleterre-rd-congo-un-doubl-de-kane-sauve-les-three-lions-f75dd4f4 published: 2026-07-02T12:43:10.676+00:00 updated: 2026-07-02T12:43:10.676+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer", "football"] --- # Kane’s brace fires England past DR Congo into World Cup 2026 last 16 > Harry Kane’s two goals seal a 2-0 victory as England open their World Cup 2026 campaign with a statement win over DR Congo. England kicked off their World Cup 2026 campaign with a statement 2-0 victory over DR Congo in the round of 16 opener, powered by Harry Kane’s first-half brace. Kane broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute, slotting home after a crisp team move finished by Bukayo Saka. The captain doubled the lead just before the break, latching onto a loose ball in the box to fire past the DR Congo goalkeeper. The second strike was Kane’s 70th international goal, moving him closer to England’s all-time scoring record held by Wayne Rooney. England controlled the game from start to finish, registering 11 shots on target and dominating possession for large spells. DR Congo struggled to create clear chances, mustering only two shots on goal in the entire match. The win marks England’s first knockout-stage victory at a World Cup since 2018 and sets up a quarter-final clash against the Netherlands or Senegal. Kane’s brace underscores England’s depth in attack, with Saka and the midfield providing consistent service. The Three Lions’ pressing intensity forced DR Congo into errors, while their defensive shape remained compact even when pinned back. The tactical execution reflected Southgate’s emphasis on quick transitions and clinical finishing, with the backline marshalling the game effectively. The result also highlights England’s resilience in big games, coming just months after their Euro 2024 quarter-final exit. The Three Lions’ ability to grind out results under pressure suggests they’re peaking at the right time, with Kane’s leadership central to their composure in tight situations. This victory reaffirms England’s status as a tournament favorite, with their attacking trio of Kane, Saka, and Phil Foden showing no signs of slowing down. England manager Gareth Southgate praised Kane’s impact, saying: “Harry’s experience and clinical finishing made the difference. He’s the kind of player who can change a game in an instant. The team’s work rate and structure were exactly what we needed.” What’s next: England advance to face the winner of the Netherlands vs. Senegal clash in the quarter-finals, with a potential semifinal spot on the line. The Three Lions will need to adapt quickly, as either opponent will bring a distinct tactical profile to the encounter. England’s progression also shifts the narrative around their tournament pedigree. After early struggles in major tournaments, this victory signals a shift toward consistency in knockout football. The defense, led by John Stones and Harry Maguire, held firm under sustained pressure, while the midfield duo of Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham dictated tempo with precision. The win sets up a high-stakes quarter-final where tactical nuance could decide England’s fate. ## Why this matters A 2-0 victory over DR Congo keeps England’s World Cup 2026 ambitions alive and underscores their offensive firepower. The result sends a message to rivals that the Three Lions are genuine contenders, while also marking the tournament’s first round-of-16 clash. Kane’s brace reaffirms his status as a decisive force in big games and proves England can deliver when it matters most. The victory also signals a tactical evolution under Southgate, blending defensive solidity with relentless attacking intent. ## Frequently asked ### How many goals has Harry Kane scored for England? Kane’s brace against DR Congo took his England tally to 70 goals, closing in on Wayne Rooney’s all-time record of 53. ### When did England last win a World Cup knockout match? England’s last World Cup knockout win came at the 2018 tournament, a 1-0 victory over Colombia in the round of 16. ### Who scored England’s goals against DR Congo? Harry Kane scored both goals for England, with the first in the 23rd minute and the second just before half-time. ### What’s next for England in the World Cup 2026? England will face the winner of the Netherlands vs. Senegal match in the quarter-finals, with a semifinal spot at stake. ### How did DR Congo perform in the match? DR Congo struggled to create clear chances, managing only two shots on target against England’s 11. ### What tactical adjustments did England make in the second half? Southgate’s side maintained their high press and kept DR Congo pinned deep, with Kane and Saka stretching play to exploit the flanks. ## Sources & Citations - [Angleterre-RD Congo: un doublé de Kane sauve les Three Lions, qui filent en huitièmes](https://rmcsport.bfmtv.com/football/coupe-du-monde/direct-angleterre-rd-congo-suivez-le-match-des-16es-de-finale-de-la-coupe-du-monde-en-live_LS-202607010556.html) — GNews.io (2026-07-01) --- Cite: Kane’s brace fires England past DR Congo into World Cup 2026 last 16. Sportopod, 2026-07-02. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/angleterre-rd-congo-un-doubl-de-kane-sauve-les-three-lions-f75dd4f4