The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 witnessed a remarkable coincidence as Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and Romelu Lukaku all scored decisive 86th-minute goals to eliminate African nations. Kane broke Congo DR's resistance, Haaland ended Ivory Coast's campaign, and Lukaku sealed Morocco's exit, giving rise to the viral "86th-minute curse" narrative among football fans.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 has produced its fair share of drama, but one minute has quietly become the tournament's most dreaded. For three teams, the 86th minute ended up defining their World Cup fate in the cruellest possible way. DR Congo, Senegal and Ivory Coast were all knocked out in the Round of 32, with European superstars coming alive in the latter stages to pull off a comeback win.
The trio of Kane, Haaland and Lukaku are among Europe's most prolific goalscorers, but few could have imagined they would all produce decisive 86th-minute winners against African opposition in the same knockout round.
Kane sets the ball rolling
England looked on course for a shock exit after falling behind early against Congo DR in Atlanta. Thomas Tuchel's men struggled to break down the spirited African side before Harry Kane finally restored parity in the 75th minute.
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