Harry Kane Overtakes Pele's World Cup Total as England Advance to the Last 16
Harry Kane surpassed Pele's World Cup goal tally thanks to his two late goals against the Democratic Republic of Congo, July 1, 2026, WIB night, to save England's place in the last 16 with a dramatic 2-1 comeback.
As full time approached, the Three Lions looked set to be eliminated from the tournament after Congo took the lead in the seventh minute.
However, Kane provided the much-needed magic touch to give England hope with the equalizer in the 75th minute.
The goal took him level with Pele's World Cup tally of 12 goals, but a determined Kane turned into a hero for his nation when he scored England's winner to surpass the Brazilian legend.
As is known, the Brazilian legend, Pele, scored 12 goals in just 16 World Cup matches and is the only player in history to win three World Cup titles - in 1958, 1962, and 1970.
"It feels amazing to do this. A crazy game. After the first drinking break, I think our level of play improved, we looked good."
"Their goalkeeper made some incredible saves in the first half. The point is to keep fighting, keep fighting, and our moment will come."
"We're talking about heroic moments from players. It could be anyone in the team. Whether it's me, a save from Pickers (Jordan Pickford), a block from the defenders, whoever it is."
"We had heroic moments. For me, today was the right day," Kane told the BBC.
England were stunned when Congo broke through their defence in the seventh minute, as Brian Cipenga raced in from the left and scored at the near post past Pickford.
Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford came close to levelling, but were thwarted by a brilliant Lionel Mpasi and a save on the line by Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
A first half full of mistakes from Thomas Tuchel's side saw the African nation almost score again when Yoane Wissa's powerful shot hit the crossbar, England again escaping the threat.
Then, Kane appealed for a penalty when he fell in the penalty box, but the referee let the game continue because he thought the captain had dived. It was clearly frustrating.
However, the Bayern Munich player saved the situation with two goals in 11 minutes to increase his total goals in the 2026 World Cup to five goals, only one goal behind the Golden Boot leader Lionel Messi - the all-time World Cup top scorer with 19 goals.
Kane broke Gary Lineker's record to become England's all-time top scorer at the World Cup. The scorer in the 2-0 win over Panama is now celebrating a new achievement.
The former Tottenham Hotspur striker has now scored 20 goals in major international tournaments for England and is the top scorer with 84 goals from 117 appearances.
He won the 2018 World Cup Golden Boot by scoring six goals in England's run to the semi-finals. Now he is just one goal short of matching that total.
The England captain made his 15th appearance of the season against Congo - the most for any outfield player in England - taking his total for club and country to 72 goals this season.
After the victory, Kane once again joined his teammates, shoulder to shoulder, to sing Oasis' Wonderwall with England supporters at the Atlanta Stadium and was seen kissing a badge on his sleeve after the game.
"I said to the players to enjoy (the win). Sometimes, as English players, when you go through a difficult game like this and a game that is expected to be won, you don't always celebrate as you should."
"We are like any other country, we qualified, so enjoy it. We are in the World Cup, fighting for everything, for every moment, every small difference."
"I want the players to enjoy it, enjoy it with the fans like we did, and then we'll play again in four days," he said.
England will now face hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in the last 16, July 5, 2026.