DR Congo’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign came to a screeching end after England fought back from an early deficit to secure a 2-1 victory in their Round of 32 clash at Atlanta Stadium.
The Leopards, playing in their first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout match, stunned the Three Lions with an early goal and looked on course for one of the tournament’s biggest upsets before England captain Harry Kane inspired a dramatic late turnaround.
England’s victory sends Thomas Tuchel’s side into the Round of 16, where they will face co-hosts Mexico at Mexico City Stadium on July 6.
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DR Congo made a sensational start by taking the lead in just the seventh minute through Brian Cipenga.
The move began with a superb cross-field pass from the right before captain Chancel Mbemba flicked the ball into Cipenga’s path. Left unmarked inside the penalty area, the forward calmly fired a low shot beyond England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for his first international goal.
The strike sent the Congolese fans into celebration and handed the African nation a deserved early advantage.
England gradually took control of possession but found DR Congo difficult to break down.
Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was in inspired form, producing two outstanding saves to deny Jude Bellingham from close-range headers.
The Congolese defence also received a fortunate lifeline when Aaron Wan-Bissaka cleared Marcus Rashford’s effort off the goal line after England created one of their best attacking moves.
Just before the break, Mpasi was again called into action, blocking Harry Kane’s close-range volley to preserve DR Congo’s lead.
England’s response finally arrived after manager Thomas Tuchel introduced fresh attacking options from the bench.
Substitute Anthony Gordon made an immediate impact by delivering a precise cross for Harry Kane, who powered a header past Mpasi in the 75th minute to restore parity.
With momentum swinging in England’s favour, Kane struck again moments later. The England captain turned brilliantly away from his marker before unleashing a powerful shot inside the near post to complete the comeback and seal a 2-1 victory.
The second goal was Kane’s 13th in FIFA World Cup finals, once again proving decisive for the Three Lions.