England Fight Back To Beat DR Congo 2-1, Reach World Cup Round Of 16
Sports Updated: 01 July 2026 21:20 EAT
Photo courtesy: Harry Kane celebrates scoring against DR Congo
England came from behind to defeat DR Congo 2-1 in a FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match on Tuesday, booking their place in the last 16 after a hard-fought comeback. The victory keeps England's hopes of lifting the 2026 World Cup alive and sets up a Round of 16 clash against Mexico.
DR Congo stunned the European side with an early breakthrough when Brian Cipenga found the back of the net in the seventh minute, handing the African nation a deserved lead after an energetic opening spell. England struggled to create clear-cut chances during the first half as DR Congo defended with discipline and confidence.
England controlled possession for much of the contest but found it difficult to break down DR Congo's compact defence. Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi made a series of crucial saves to deny England an equaliser before halftime, preserving his side's advantage.
Head coach Thomas Tuchel responded by making attacking changes in the second half as England increased the intensity in search of a route back into the match. The substitutions helped England create more opportunities in the final third.
England's persistence paid off in the 75th minute when captain Harry Kane headed home from an Anthony Gordon cross to level the scores. The equaliser shifted the momentum firmly in England's favour as they continued to press for a winner.
Kane completed the turnaround in the 86th minute, scoring his second goal of the match with a composed finish to put England 2-1 ahead and cap an impressive comeback under pressure.
The result sends England into the Round of 16, where they will face Mexico for a place in the quarter-finals. England are aiming to progress deep into the tournament under Tuchel in his first World Cup campaign as manager.
For DR Congo, the defeat brought an end to a memorable World Cup journey. The Central African nation reached the knockout stage for the first time after progressing from a challenging group, marking a significant milestone in the country's football history.
Despite the loss, DR Congo earned praise for their disciplined performances throughout the tournament and for pushing one of the pre-tournament favourites to the limit in the knockout phase.
Lionel Mpasi was among DR Congo's standout performers, making several important saves that kept his side in contention until the closing minutes of the match.
England's victory also extended the team's unbeaten run under Thomas Tuchel and reinforced their status as one of the leading contenders for the World Cup title.
The Round of 16 encounter against Mexico will determine whether England can continue their quest for a second FIFA World Cup trophy, while DR Congo leave the tournament having delivered one of the most inspiring campaigns by an African nation in the 2026 competition.
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FELIX MAKONA
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