Harry Kane stands on the cusp of history as England prepares to face DR Congo in the round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The English striker needs just one more goal to equal Geoff Hurst for the second-highest number of goals for England in World Cup knockout matches.
Kane's quest for knockout goal record
According to Opta Analyst, Kane has scored three FIFA World Cup knockout goals so far. One more goal would level him with Hurst, who netted four knockout goals for England. The all-time record for most World Cup knockout goals by an England player is held by Gary Lineker, with six goals.
Kane's third goal of the current tournament came in the final group stage match against Panama, which also marked his 11th World Cup goal overall. That milestone saw him surpass Lineker to become England's all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history. Additionally, Kane has now scored 18 goals in major international tournaments for England, including the European Championship.
England's group stage performance
Thomas Tuchel's side finished top of Group L with seven points, matching their best-ever World Cup group stage tally, which they also achieved in 2006 and 2022, according to Opta Analyst. England began their campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia, followed by a 0-0 draw with Ghana, and secured top spot with a win over Panama.
England have been runners-up in the past two European Championships and finished fourth in the 2018 World Cup, reaching the quarterfinals in 2022. The team now aims to secure a quarterfinal berth by overcoming DR Congo in the round of 32.
DR Congo clash and historical context
The match against DR Congo presents Kane with an opportunity to etch his name further into England's football history. With 11 World Cup goals, he already holds the national record, and a knockout goal would bring him level with Hurst, one of England's iconic figures from the 1966 World Cup triumph. Lineker's record of six knockout goals remains a target for the future.
England's strong group stage performance has set the stage for a deep run in the tournament, and Kane's form will be crucial as they face a DR Congo side looking to cause an upset.
