England Congo DR World Cup last-16 spot was sealed in dramatic fashion in Atlanta, as Harry Kane’s two late goals completed a stunning comeback against Congo DR, sending Thomas Tuchel’s side into the Round of 16 for the third straight edition
England 2-1 Congo DR
England goals: Harry Kane (75′, 86′) | Congo DR goal: Brian Cipenga (7′)
A scare before the comeback
England survived a major fright before completing their comeback to reach the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in Atlanta. Tuchel’s side trailed from as early as the seventh minute, when Brian Cipenga put Congo DR ahead, and stayed behind for the entire first half before Kane leveled things in the 75th minute and then struck a brilliant winner soon after.
England’s reward for the dramatic turnaround is a Round of 16 meeting with co-hosts Mexico at the Mexico City Stadium on Sunday, 5 July.
The result kept England’s unbeaten record against African opposition at World Cups intact — nine meetings, zero losses — though it came far closer than expected in this England Congo DR World Cup clash.
How the goal came about
Congo DR had never featured in a World Cup knockout match before, but they made a dream start. Just seven minutes in, a crossfield ball from the right was flicked on by Chancel Mbemba into the path of Cipenga, left unmarked on the left side of the box. He fired low past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford at his near post for his first-ever international goal.
England push for an equaliser
England took time to find their rhythm before carving out several clear opportunities. Congo DR goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi produced a string of fine saves, denying Jude Bellingham twice from headers. In between, a driving run into the box from Noni Madueke set up a shooting chance for Marcus Rashford at the far post, only for Aaron Wan-Bissaka to clear off the line. Right before half-time, Mpasi also blocked a close-range Kane volley from a corner.
Congo DR nearly doubled their advantage at the other end when Yoane Wissa turned a low Wan-Bissaka centre against the post, a moment that could have completely changed the complexion of the match had it gone in.
Substitutions spark the comeback
Tuchel’s decision to change his wingers proved decisive. Substitute Anthony Gordon delivered the cross that let Kane head home his 12th World Cup finals goal to level the match. Moments later, Kane turned away from his marker and drilled an unstoppable strike inside the near post to complete the turnaround.
Key stat
For the first time in their history, England won a World Cup match after trailing at half-time. In nine previous instances where they had been behind at the break, they had drawn twice and lost the other seven — making this comeback a genuinely historic moment for the team at World Cup level.
Player of the Match: Harry Kane (England)
What the managers and captain said
England head coach Thomas Tuchel said his side never stopped believing despite conceding early, crediting the substitutes for turning the match around and praising Mpasi’s saves as exceptional.
Congo DR coach Sebastien Desabre said his players were disappointed after a performance they believed could have earned a result, but added that the experience gained from facing a strong side would help the team continue improving as Congolese football develops further.
England captain Kane told BBC Sport it felt amazing to complete such a dramatic match, noting that the team had spoken all week about staying true to themselves and being ready for “hero moments” from any player. He added that this stage of the tournament is about grinding out results, which is exactly what England managed to do.
What’s next
With this England Congo DR World Cup win secured, attention now turns to Sunday’s Round of 16 clash against co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City — a fixture that will carry a fiercely partisan atmosphere given the host nation’s involvement. Tuchel will need to assess fitness levels after a physically demanding group-stage run before naming his side for what promises to be one of the tournament’s most closely watched fixtures.
