July 2026 - Soccer Wiretap

Harry Kane scored twice in the final 15 minutes to lift England past DR Congo 2-1 Tuesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The goals moved the England captain past Brazilian icon Pele into 12th place on the all-time World Cup scoring list with 13 goals.

England trailed 1-0 for much of the match after Brian Cipenga scored in the seventh minute. Kane's 75th-minute header leveled the contest, and his solo effort four minutes from time sealed the win. England held a 2.04 to 0.80 edge in expected goals.

England entered the tournament ranked second among the 48 World Cup nations in Transfermarkt squad valuation, compared to DR Congo's 32nd-place standing.

DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was exceptional throughout, stopping three first-half headers and twice denying Jude Bellingham from close range.

"It feels amazing to be honest," said Kane. "What a crazy game. They are a tough team and then after that first break we were much better and their keeper made some unbelievable saves. We spoke about people having hero moments and it can be anyone. It was me today.

"We spoke all week about just being ourselves. There are still things to work on for sure and these rounds are just about getting through. We are in the part of the tournament when you have to grind wins out, and that's what we have done today.

"We are the same as every other nation. We are through, so enjoy it. I want them to enjoy it with the fans, and then we go again in four days.

"We spoke after the Croatian game about subs making an impact and you saw that again. Over 90 minutes, we are tough to handle. I am pleased for everyone involved and hopefully we'll keep it going."

England advance to face Mexico at Estadio Azteca on Sunday, where they will be tested by a co-host side that has yet to concede a goal in four World Cup matches. England are favorites at -133 with an implied probability of 57 percent, according to the latest World Cup odds.

Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 Tuesday at Estadio Azteca, earning the nation's first World Cup knockout win in four decades. Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored within a nine-minute first-half span to send the co-hosts into the round of 16.

The result matched Mexico's only previous knockout triumph, a 2-0 defeat of Bulgaria at the same venue in 1986. Mexico held a 1.05 to 0.75 edge in xG (expected goals) despite a one-hour lightning delay before kickoff.

Ecuador entered the tournament ranked 19th in Transfermarkt squad valuation among the 48 World Cup nations, compared to Mexico's 27th-place standing.

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre reflected on the historic occasion afterward.

"This win means a lot to me," said Aguirre. "I was one of those players who couldn't make it to the fifth game [quarterfinals]. It hurts a lot.

"You get past the group stage and perform well, but then there's a critical error that takes you out. Today, the connection with the fans gave us a boost. This is a spectacular stadium. It's a great night for Mexicans."

Quinones' strike was his third of the tournament, lifting him to second on Mexico's all-time World Cup scoring list behind Luis Hernandez and Javier Hernandez, who each totaled four. Jimenez's second goal pushed his international tally to 47, surpassing Jared Borgetti and leaving him five short of Javier Hernandez's national record.

Tuesday's clean sheet made Mexico the fourth team in World Cup history to win its opening four matches without conceding. The co-hosts are also unbeaten in 10 World Cup games played in Mexico City.

Mexico became the first CONCACAF nation to eliminate a CONMEBOL side in a World Cup knockout match. Ecuador's night ended with defender Piero Hincapie receiving a red card in stoppage time under a new rule penalizing players for covering their mouths while addressing opponents.

Mexico next host either England or DR Congo at Azteca on Sunday.