ATLANTA — The Democratic Republic of Congo will face England in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage after securing progression from the group phase and setting up a last-32 meeting with the European side, according to official match reports and tournament results on Wednesday.
DR Congo reached the knockouts as one of the best third-placed teams after a group campaign that included a 3-1 comeback win over Uzbekistan, a draw with Portugal, and a narrow defeat to Colombia, according to FIFA match summaries and multiple match reports.
The team’s qualification marked a historic milestone in its first World Cup appearance in 52 years, with striker Yoane Wissa scoring twice in the decisive win over Uzbekistan that confirmed progression to the knockout phase.
England, who topped their group, were confirmed as DR Congo’s opponents in the last-32 stage following the conclusion of group play.
DR Congo’s head coach Sébastien Desabre said the team would approach the match with no pressure, describing the fixture against England as an opportunity for his side after already surpassing expectations in the tournament, according to a statement published ahead of the game.
The match in Atlanta saw DR Congo take an early lead through Brian Cipenga in the seventh minute, placing England under immediate pressure in front of a large crowd. Match reports indicated England dominated possession but struggled to break through a disciplined Congolese defence for long periods of the contest.
England were also denied several clear chances in the first half, including efforts saved by goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, before VAR overturned an initial penalty decision following a challenge on Harry Kane, according to match accounts.
England ultimately responded in the second half, with captain Harry Kane scoring twice to turn the match around and secure a 2-1 victory, sending England into the round of 16 and ending DR Congo’s tournament run.
Kane’s goals included an equaliser in the 75th minute and a late winner in the 86th minute, completing the comeback in a match that remained closely contested throughout.
With the result, England advance to face Mexico in the next round, while DR Congo exit the competition after a debut campaign that included their first-ever World Cup win and progression to the knockout stage.
