Harry Kane’s Late Brace Rescues England as Three Lions Edge DR Congo to Reach World Cup Round of 16—-England came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 in Atlanta, with captain Harry Kane scoring twice in the final 15 minutes to avert a stunning World Cup upset and send Thomas Tuchel’s side into the last 16, where they will face Mexico.

England survived a major scare to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup dream alive, coming from behind to defeat DR Congo 2-1 in a dramatic Round of 32 encounter at Atlanta Stadium. Captain Harry Kane produced another trademark performance, scoring twice in the closing stages to rescue the Three Lions from the brink of a shock elimination.

DR Congo stunned the tournament favourites with a dream start when Brian Cipenga fired the Leopards into the lead in the seventh minute. The early goal silenced the England supporters and capped a fearless opening spell from Sébastien Desabre’s side, who defended resolutely and threatened on the counterattack throughout the first half. Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi also produced a string of outstanding saves to deny Kane, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford as England struggled to find a breakthrough.

Thomas Tuchel’s men dominated possession but lacked creativity in the final third. England were left frustrated after a strong penalty appeal involving Kane was waved away, while DR Congo nearly doubled their advantage when Yoane Wissa struck the post before halftime. The African nation carried their slender lead into the interval, leaving England staring at one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

Tuchel responded with attacking substitutions after the break, introducing Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze to inject pace and urgency into England’s attack. The changes transformed the match as England pinned DR Congo deep inside their own half and finally found the breakthrough in the 75th minute. Gordon floated a cross into the penalty area, where Kane rose highest to power home a header and level the score.

With momentum now firmly on England’s side, Kane completed the comeback four minutes from time. After Bellingham’s effort was saved, Gordon collected the rebound and teed up the England captain, who unleashed a thunderous finish into the top corner to complete his brace and spark wild celebrations among the England faithful. The victory also saw Kane surpass Pelé’s World Cup goals tally, taking his total to 13 goals in the competition.

DR Congo battled until the final whistle but could not find a late equaliser as England held on to secure their place in the Round of 16. Despite the defeat, the Leopards earned widespread praise for an inspiring World Cup campaign, having reached the knockout stage for the first time and pushed one of football’s traditional powerhouses to the limit.

England will now face co-hosts Mexico in the Round of 16 at the iconic Estadio Azteca, with Tuchel’s side hoping Kane’s late heroics can serve as the catalyst for a deeper run in the tournament.

BREAKING: Havertz’s Penalty Miss Sends Germany Crashing Out as Paraguay Reach World Cup Round of 16—-Julio Enciso’s opener and Paraguay’s composure from the spot ended Germany’s World Cup campaign, with Kai Havertz’s missed penalty proving decisive in a dramatic Round of 32 clash.

Paraguay produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by eliminating four-time champions Germany 4-3 on penalties after a gripping 1-1 draw following 120 minutes of football. The South Americans held their nerve in the shootout to book a place in the Round of 16, while Germany suffered another painful early exit from the tournament.

Germany entered the knockout tie as favorites and controlled possession for long spells, dictating the tempo with their patient passing and high pressing. However, Paraguay’s disciplined defensive setup frustrated Julian Nagelsmann’s side, forcing the Europeans into speculative efforts despite enjoying the lion’s share of the ball.

Against the run of play, Paraguay struck first just before halftime. Julio Enciso rose highest to meet a dangerous delivery into the penalty area, powering a header beyond Manuel Neuer to stun the German supporters and hand La Albirroja a priceless lead heading into the break.

Germany responded with urgency after halftime and found the equalizer in the 52nd minute. Florian Wirtz whipped in an inviting cross, allowing Kai Havertz to guide a clinical header into the far corner and bring Germany back into the contest.

The equalizer sparked waves of German attacks, but Paraguay refused to buckle under pressure. Goalkeeper Roberto Fernández produced a series of outstanding saves, while the Paraguayan backline made several crucial clearances to keep the score level.

Extra time brought more drama as Germany searched desperately for a winner. A goal was ruled out after a VAR review, leaving the Germans frustrated as Paraguay continued to defend resolutely and force the match into a penalty shootout.

The shootout proved to be a tale of nerves. Paraguay converted four of their penalties with remarkable composure, while Germany faltered at the crucial moment. Kai Havertz, who had earlier rescued his side with the equalizing goal, saw his penalty brilliantly saved, a miss that ultimately proved decisive as Paraguay secured a 4-3 shootout victory. José Canale calmly converted the winning spot kick, sparking wild celebrations among the Paraguayan players and fans.

For Germany, Havertz’s missed penalty summed up a night of heartbreak. After dominating much of the match and fighting back from a goal down, the four-time world champions were left to reflect on another disappointing World Cup campaign. Paraguay, meanwhile, celebrated one of the greatest victories in the nation’s football history and marched into the Round of 16 with confidence and belief.