Kane denied penalty vs DR Congo as VAR upholds referee’s call in England win

The England captain felt he should have had a spot-kick after going through on goal

Ex-Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher was left perplexed as to why England's Harry Kane wasn't awarded a penalty against DR Congo.

A highly controversial first-half penalty denial involving England captain Harry Kane has ignited a fierce debate in the footballing world.

England captain Harry Kane was left frustrated after being denied a penalty in his side's FIFA World Cup 2026 clash against DR Congo, with the controversial decision sparking debate among fans and pundits. The incident came after Kane was felled in the penalty box after a challenge by Axel Tuanzebe late in the first half. The England captain had latched onto a through ball and drove into the penalty area, where he found himself under pressure from defender Axel Tuanzebe while DR Congo goalkeeper Dimitry Mpasi rushed off his line.As Kane stretched to reach the ball, he went to ground inside the box, prompting loud appeals from England players and supporters for a penalty. Referee Adham Makhadmeh immediately waved play on, indicating that he did not believe a foul had been committed.Meget bra dømt. Klar filming. Skulle dog hatt gult kort. Fæl han Kane. pic.twitter.com/i2DggUq28O— Daniel Vassbund (@Smoothedan) July 1, 2026 Why Did VAR Reject the Penalty Appeal?The incident was reviewed by VAR to determine whether Mpasi had made sufficient contact with Kane. After checking the footage, the video officials upheld the referee's decision, ruling there was little to no contact from the goalkeeper and no clear foul.Kane was adamant he had been brought down, while the decision divided opinion among commentators. Some felt there was enough contact to justify a penalty despite Kane's exaggerated fall, while others agreed with VAR that the challenge did not warrant overturning the on-field decision.With the review complete, England's penalty appeal was dismissed, making the incident one of the most debated moments of the match.FIFA World Cup 2026: Harry Kane Rescues With Late Brace As England Clinch Dramatic 2-1 Win Over Spirited DR Congo | VIDEOKane did not let the decision define his night. Instead, he channelled his frustration into a match-winning display, scoring twice in the second half to lead England to a dramatic comeback victory over DR Congo and into the Round of 16.

Should England have been awarded a penalty in their World Cup last-32 tie against DR Congo?

Harry Kane and England was denied a penalty kick late in the first half after a controversial call vs. DR Congo.