ATLANTA — England recovered from an early setback to defeat the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 on Wednesday, with captain Harry Kane scoring twice in the closing stages to send Thomas Tuchel's side into the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will face co-hosts Mexico.
Brian Cipenga stunned England by giving DR Congo the lead in the seventh minute, exposing defensive uncertainty and raising the prospect of one of the tournament's biggest upsets. England dominated possession but struggled to break down a disciplined Congolese defence, while goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi produced a series of saves to preserve his side's advantage for more than an hour.
England's pressure finally paid off in the 75th minute when substitute Anthony Gordon supplied a cross for Kane to head home the equaliser. Gordon again created the decisive moment 11 minutes later, finding Kane for the striker's second goal and completing a comeback that secured England's place in the knockout round.
The victory marked England's first comeback win at a World Cup after conceding first since 1990, according to Reuters. Tuchel praised his team's resilience after a performance that tested both its composure and character.
"We showed belief and stayed together," Tuchel said after the match, acknowledging that England had struggled to find rhythm against determined opponents before overturning the deficit.
The result ended a memorable World Cup campaign for DR Congo, who were appearing in the knockout phase of the tournament for the first time. Their disciplined performance and early attacking intent repeatedly unsettled England, with Yoane Wissa also striking the woodwork during the first half.
The match was played against a difficult backdrop for DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre, whose father died shortly before kickoff. Team officials later confirmed Desabre had been informed before the game but chose to remain with his squad.
England's reward is a last-16 meeting with Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where the high-altitude conditions are expected to present an additional challenge for Tuchel's players. Mexico, one of the tournament's co-hosts, will enjoy home support in a match that will determine a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
