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Kane Brace Beats Congo, Surpasses Pelé, Meets Mexico

7/2/2026

46 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Kane scores

England beat DR Congo 2-1 on July 1, 2026 in Atlanta, with Harry Kane scoring the equaliser and the winning goal.
Kane’s brace gave him his 84th international goal, moving him ahead of Pelé and tying him for second place in tournament scoring behind Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi.
England will meet co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City in the round of 16.

Summary

England Struggles

The 7,200-ft altitude at Estadio Azteca is expected to strain England’s players.
Thomas Tuchel warned England’s three-day turnaround leaves insufficient time to adapt to thin air.
Mexico enters the round-of-16 with a nine-game unbeaten run at the Azteca and four clean-sheet wins.
Julián Quiñones became the fifth Mexican to net three World Cup goals, matching Luis “Hernández” 1998.
FanDuel odds list England at +130 and Mexico at +240.

History

Historical Context

On 21 June 1970 Brazil beat Italy 4-1 in the Estadio Azteca, the first World Cup final held outside Europe or South America and played at 2,000 m altitude. The win gave Brazil its third title, allowing it to keep the Jules Rimet Trophy permanently, and the high-altitude venue has since influenced how teams prepare for tournaments in Mexico.

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Kane scores

England beat DR Congo 2-1 on July 1, 2026 in Atlanta, with Harry Kane scoring the equaliser and the winning goal.
Kane’s brace gave him his 84th international goal, moving him ahead of Pelé and tying him for second place in tournament scoring behind Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi.
England will meet co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City in the round of 16.

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