Why didn’t the referee give Harry Kane a penalty during the 2026 FIFA World Cup match between England and DR Congo?

Harry Kane went down in the penalty area in the closing minutes of the first half, but was denied a penalty against DR Congo in the Round of 32 match at the FIFA World Cup in Atlanta on Wednesday.

The England striker was running and entering the penalty area when DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau came off his line and collided with Kane.

Despite multiple requests from the England players and their bench, the referee, Adham Makhadmeh, waived play, also gesturing with his hand that Kane had dived on that occasion.

There was a lengthy review by the video assistant referee, but the decision was not changed.

The decision divided the opinions of football experts and fans, with many of them taking to social media to question it and calling it an incorrect decision.

The most likely reason why the decision didn’t go England’s way was that Kane was already on his way down despite the goalkeeper’s contact.

The decision was particularly important in the context of the match, as England found themselves behind after an early goal from Brian Cipenga in the seventh minute.

Published on July 1, 2026