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England came within minutes of one of the biggest shocks of the 2026 World Cup, only for Harry Kane to do what he does best. Two second-half goals from the captain turned a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 win over DR Congo in Atlanta, dragging Thomas Tuchel's side into the Round of 16 — and setting up a heavyweight clash with hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
For a team ranked among the title favourites, it was anything but comfortable. But England are still in the hunt for a second world crown, and once again it was Kane leading the charge.
A nightmare start in Atlanta
England could hardly have begun any worse. In the seventh minute, former Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba was allowed to stroll out of the back line and float a ball forward that carried over Djed Spence and dropped to Brian Cipenga. The winger still had plenty to do, but he rifled his shot past Jordan Pickford at the near post before somersaulting away in celebration.
Playing in their first-ever World Cup knockout match, DR Congo had stunned one of the pre-tournament outsiders for the trophy — and for a long while, they looked capable of holding on.
Mpasi stands firm as England pile on the pressure
The goal jolted England into life after the first hydration break, but they ran into an inspired goalkeeper. Lionel Mpasi, the 31-year-old Le Havre stopper, produced five saves and was a wall between the posts. He turned aside a header from Jude Bellingham, while a Marcus Rashford effort was hacked off the line by the ever-alert Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
DR Congo, meanwhile, should have doubled their lead. Star forward Yoane Wissa somehow diverted a Wan-Bissaka cross onto the post from four yards out — a miss that would loom large by full-time. Deep in first-half stoppage time, Mpasi was at it again, keeping out another Bellingham header and smothering Kane from close range.
Kane to the rescue
England kept knocking, and the breakthrough finally came on 75 minutes. Substitute Anthony Gordon swung in a cross and Kane rose to head home the equaliser: 1-1.
Eleven minutes later, the game's decisive moment arrived. Gordon was again the provider, feeding Kane on the edge of the box; the striker took a touch, turned, and fired high past Mpasi to make it 2-1. The relief on the England bench was palpable.
Kane now has five goals at this World Cup — a tally bettered only by Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, who sit on six apiece in the race for the Golden Boot. On this evidence, England's hopes rest heavily on their captain's shoulders.
Next up: Mexico at the Estadio Azteca
The reward is a mouth-watering Round of 16 tie against the co-hosts. England face Mexico at the Estadio Azteca (Mexico City Stadium) on Sunday 5 July 2026, kick-off 18:00 local time — Match 92 of the tournament.
Mexico arrive in ominous form. Javier Aguirre's side won all three group games without conceding, then eased past Ecuador 2-0 in the Round of 32 to stay unbeaten. Alongside France, they are one of only two teams with a flawless record so far, and the Azteca has become a genuine fortress — El Tri have lost only a handful of competitive internationals there in the stadium's entire history. Forward Julián Quiñones has been the standout of their campaign.
England will start as favourites on paper, but home advantage in one of football's great cathedrals is not to be underestimated.
Ghosts of 1986
There is history here, too — and not the kind England fans cherish. It was at this very ground, in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final, that Diego Maradona scored his infamous "Hand of God" goal against England, before adding a stunning solo effort to seal a 2-1 win for Argentina. Four decades on, the Three Lions have the chance to write a very different story at the Azteca.
England have been world champions just once, back in 1966, and the longing for a second title — the sentiment behind the famous "it's coming home" chant — has never faded. Under German coach Thomas Tuchel, and with Harry Kane in this kind of form, the dream is still very much alive.
England vs Mexico — World Cup 2026 Round of 16 tickets
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