Match Report: England 2-1 DR Congo

England came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 in Atlanta on Wednesday, the 1st of July.

Thomas Tuchel’s side looked set for a surprise exit after Brian Cipenga gave DR Congo an early lead in the seventh minute. The Leopards held onto their advantage for most of the match, but Harry Kane scored twice late in the second half to send England into the round of 16, where they will face co-hosts Mexico.

England reached the knockout stage after finishing top of Group L, one point ahead of Croatia. DR Congo qualified as one of the best third-placed teams after collecting four points, after drawing with Portugal and beating Uzbekistan 3-1 in their final group game.

DR Congo made the perfect start when Cipenga found plenty of space on the left wing, cut inside and fired a low shot that slipped under Jordan Pickford’s arm at the near post.

England struggled to create chances early on. Their first clear opportunity came after 30 minutes when Jude Bellingham headed Declan Rice’s cross towards goal, but Lionel Mpasi made an excellent save.

DR Congo almost doubled their lead just before half-time. Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross took a deflection and fell kindly for Yoane Wissa, but he struck the post from close range.

Bellingham tested Mpasi again in first-half stoppage time with another header, but the goalkeeper reacted well to keep it out. Moments later, Kane had a great chance to equalise from a corner, but Mpasi produced another fine save.

England started the second half with more urgency. Marcus Rashford burst into the penalty area but fired into the side netting, while Mpasi continued his outstanding performance by making another impressive save after a dangerous cross from Bellingham.

At the other end, Nathanael Mbuku nearly made it 2-0, but his shot was deflected over the crossbar by Elliot Anderson.

Thomas Tuchel’s words during the cooling break inspired England’s fightback as they finally found the breakthrough in the 75th minute. Harry Kane rose highest to head Anthony Gordon’s cross past Lionel Mpasi, pulling the Three Lions level. The goal also saw the England captain equal Pelé’s World Cup scoring record.

Kane completed the comeback in the 86th minute. After Gordon kept the attack alive following Bellingham’s saved effort, he squared the ball to the England captain, who powered his shot into the roof of the net to seal a dramatic victory and take his World Cup goal tally to 13.

England will now turn their attention to a mouth-watering round-of-16 clash against co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium on Sunday. It will be a huge test for Tuchel’s side, with Mexico unbeaten in major tournament matches at the famous venue.

For DR Congo, the defeat brings an impressive first World Cup campaign to an end. Reaching the knockout stage and pushing one of the tournament favourites to the limit is a performance they can be proud of and a strong foundation to build on for the future.