England came from behind to defeat DR Congo 2-1 and advance to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a dramatic encounter at Atlanta Stadium in the United States.
DR Congo made the perfect start, taking the lead in the seventh minute through Brian Cipenga. The forward scored his first international goal by controlling the ball with his left foot before firing a clinical right-footed finish inside Jordan Pickford's near post after latching onto a swift switch of play.
England struggled to respond in the opening stages, with their first real chance not arriving until the 30th minute. Jude Bellingham met Declan Rice's cross with a powerful header, but Lionel Mpasi produced a superb one-handed save to preserve DR Congo's lead. It was England's latest first shot in a FIFA World Cup match on record, dating back to 1966.
DR Congo went into the break ahead thanks to Cipenga's early strike and a series of impressive saves from Mpasi. Playing with confidence and freedom, Sebastien Desabre's side also came close to doubling their advantage when Yoane Wissa struck the post from an Aaron Wan-Bissaka cross.
England's best opportunities came from wide areas, with Bellingham twice denied by Mpasi from headers, while Ezri Konsa and Harry Kane also threatened. Despite England's pressure, the Leopards held a deserved lead at half-time.
As the second half progressed and England searched for an equalizer, captain Harry Kane delivered in the 75th minute, powering home a header from Anthony Gordon's cross to bring the Three Lions level.
England completed the comeback in the 86th minute. Gordon picked out Kane on the edge of the penalty area, and the skipper shifted onto his right foot before smashing an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net to seal the victory.
With the win, England advanced to the Round of 16, where they will face Mexico, while DR Congo's World Cup campaign came to an end.
