Harry Kane Breaks Pelé's World Cup Goals Record with Late Brace Against Congo DR

Harry Kane made history on July 1, 2026, by surpassing Pelé's World Cup goal tally during England's dramatic 2-1 victory over Congo DR. The match, held at the Atlanta Stadium, saw Kane score a late brace, securing England's place in the round of 16.

Kane's Historic Achievement

With the score at 1-1 and time running out, Kane netted his second goal in the 86th minute, bringing his total World Cup goals to 13. This remarkable feat not only highlights his skill but also positions him as England's all-time top scorer in World Cup history, surpassing Pelé's 12 goals scored in just 16 matches.

Reflecting on the match, Kane stated, "It feels amazing to do this. What a crazy game. After that first hydration break, I thought we upped the level, we looked good." His performance was crucial in turning the tide for England, which had initially fallen behind early in the game.

Match Highlights and Key Moments

The match began with a shocking goal from Congo DR in the seventh minute, as Brian Cipenga took advantage of a defensive lapse to score. England struggled to respond, with key players like Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford unable to find the net due to Lionel Mpasi's stellar goalkeeping.

Despite the early setback, Kane's persistence paid off. After an equalizer in the 75th minute, he found the back of the net again shortly before the final whistle, cementing his status as a hero for the Three Lions.

Looking Ahead to the Knockout Stage

England's victory sets them up for a challenging match against tournament co-hosts Mexico on July 5, 2026. As Kane leads the line, he aims to add to his goal tally, currently sitting at five for the tournament, just one behind Lionel Messi, who leads with six.

The stakes are high as England seeks to advance further in the tournament. Kane's record-breaking performance not only boosts his confidence but also ignites hope among fans and teammates alike for a successful campaign.