Why Was Harry Kane & England Denied a Penalty vs. DR Congo? VAR Controversy Explained

DR Congo is taking a 1-0 lead over England at halftime in the Round of 32 matchup in the 2026 World Cup.

After DR Congo's opener, England has created multiple chances to score the equalizer. DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau has made three crucial saves to keep his team in the lead.

Late in the first half, Harry Kane was through on goal and got the ball past Mpasi, but the English striker went down. Many expected the referee to call for a penalty kick, but the official told Kane to get up.

The VAR took a look, and the penalty was not given. Mpasi makes slight contact on Kane's foot, but the replay shows that the English striker was looking for contact. The referee believed that Kane dived and went over the keeper.

Another look at England's play in the box with Harry Kane where no penalty was called pic.twitter.com/FrXIBdg9tz

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The referee's call is controversial as many fans believe the contact should be enough for it to be called a penalty kick for England. England is 1-0 down to DR Congo and is 45 minutes away from being eliminated from the 2026 World Cup.

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This story was originally published July 1, 2026 at 1:01 PM.