England were left frustrated during their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier after referee declined to award a penalty when DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi appeared to bring down England captain Harry Kane inside the box.

Kane went to ground following a challenge from Mpasi, prompting immediate appeals from the England players — but the match official waved away the claims, leaving the England camp furious at the decision.

The incident has sparked debate over whether the contact was sufficient to warrant a spot-kick, with many observers feeling Kane had a strong case for a penalty after the collision with the DR Congo shot-stopper.

England's appeal was ultimately dismissed, and play continued without any further action taken against Mpasi or DR Congo.