England snatched victory over the DR Congo and progressed to the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup
England secured a victory over the DR Congo in their round of 32 match at the 2026 World Cup. The match at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta ended 2–1.
The DR Congo side opened the scoring as early as the 7th minute. Brian Kipenga received a pass from Chancel Mbemba into the left-hand corner of the penalty area and fired a precise shot into the near corner of the net.
In the 29th minute, England had a chance to equalise, but the DR Congo goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi-Nzaou, saved a dangerous header from Jude Bellingham.
The English had another chance in the 35th minute when Marcus Rashford shot on the volley, but Aaron Van Bissaka cleared the ball off the goal line.
Before the break, the DR Congo also had a chance to extend their lead. Following a cross from Van Bissaka, Yoan Vissa struck the post.
Towards the end of the first half, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane both had chances, but the DR Congo goalkeeper once again came to his team’s rescue. The English also appealed for a penalty after Kane went down in the penalty area, but the referee did not award it.
After the break, England continued to press forward. The Congolese managed to hold off the attacks for a long time, but in the 75th minute, England equalised. Harry Kane headed home a cross from Anthony Gordon on the left flank.
England scored the winning goal in the 86th minute. Kane completed his brace following a pass from Gordon, cut inside from the right and fired the ball under the crossbar with a powerful strike.
In the group stage, England finished top of Group L. Thomas Tuchel’s side beat Croatia 4–2, drew 0–0 with Ghana and defeated Panama 2–0.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo finished the group stage in third place in Group K. The team drew 1–1 with Portugal, lost 0–1 to Colombia and beat Uzbekistan 3–1.
In the round of 16, England will face Mexico, who beat Ecuador 2–0 in their round of 32 match.
The 2026 World Cup runs from 11 June to 19 July in the USA, Mexico and Canada. This is the first World Cup to feature 48 national teams.
