Harry Kane rescued England with two late goals as the Three Lions came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 at Atlanta Stadium (the official FIFA tournament name for Mercedes-Benz Stadium) on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Brian Cipenga’s seventh-minute strike gave DR Congo a shock lead, but Kane’s double in the closing 15 minutes turned the Round of 32 tie and booked a last-16 meeting with co-hosts Mexico.
Key Takeaways
- England came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 and reach the Round of 16.
- Brian Cipenga gave DR Congo a shock 7th-minute lead from Chancel Mbemba’s cross.
- Harry Kane scored twice (75′, 86′), both set up by substitute Anthony Gordon.
- England dominated with an xG of 2.16 but was kept out by five saves from Lionel Mpasi until late.
- England advances to face co-hosts Mexico in the Round of 16; DR Congo are eliminated.
The England vs DR Congo World Cup 2026 matchup looked to be heading for a major upset as the Three Lions laboured against a well-organised and dangerous African side. England dominated the ball and the chances but could not find a way through until their captain took over in the closing stages.
How did the England vs DR Congo Round of 32 tie unfold?
DR Congo made the perfect start. In the seventh minute, Chancel Mbemba delivered a cross, and Brian Cipenga finished to give the underdogs a shock lead and silence the England support inside Atlanta Stadium.
England pressed hard for an equaliser but repeatedly ran into goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi and a stubborn Congolese defence. The breakthrough finally came in the 75th minute, when substitute Anthony Gordon whipped in a cross, and Harry Kane rose to head England level.
The turnaround was completed 11 minutes later. In the 86th minute, Gordon again turned provider, and Kane rifled home a stunning finish to put England 2-1 ahead, sealing a dramatic comeback and a place in the last 16.
What were the key statistics of the England vs DR Congo World Cup 2026 match?
The statistics show how dominant England was despite the scare, controlling possession and creating by far the better chances. DR Congo made the most of a rare opening early on and defended stoutly before England’s quality told.
| Statistic | England | DR Congo |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 60% | 40% |
| Total shots | 9 | 7 |
| Shots on target | 7 | 2 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 2.16 | 0.77 |
| Fouls committed | 10 | 12 |
Who were the standout performers and starters for each side?
Harry Kane was the matchwinner with his brace, but substitute Anthony Gordon changed the game after coming on, providing the assist for both goals. Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was DR Congo’s hero for much of the night, making five saves to keep his side ahead, while Brian Cipenga’s early strike so nearly delivered a famous upset before Kane’s late intervention.
England Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
- GK: Jordan Pickford
- Defenders: Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly
- Midfielders: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson
- Attacking midfielders: Noni Madueke, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford
- Forward: Harry Kane
DR Congo set up in a 4-3-3 and caused England problems on the counter through Yoane Wissa and Brian Cipenga. They defended in numbers for long spells and came within a quarter of an hour of holding on for a stunning result.
DR Congo Starting XI (4-3-3)
- GK: Lionel Mpasi
- Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku
- Midfielders: Ngal’ayel Mukau, Samuel Moutoussamy, Noah Sadiki
- Forwards: Nathanael Mbuku, Yoane Wissa, Brian Cipenga
England’s substitutions proved decisive, with Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka introduced on the hour and Gordon going on to set up both goals. DR Congo made changes of their own, including Theo Bongonda and Fiston Mayele, but could not withstand England’s late surge.
What does the result mean for both teams?
As a single-elimination tie, the result is final — win and advance, lose and go home. England progress to the Round of 16, where they will face co-hosts Mexico at Mexico City Stadium (the official FIFA tournament name for Estadio Azteca), who beat Ecuador 2-0 in their own Round of 32 tie. It sets up a daunting trip to a raucous Azteca for the Three Lions.
For DR Congo, the tournament ends at the Round of 32, but not before they gave one of the pre-tournament favourites a real fright. Their spirited display and early lead will count for little in the record books, yet they can leave the competition with their heads held high.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of England vs DR Congo at the 2026 World Cup?
England beat DR Congo 2-1 in the Round of 32 on July 1, 2026. Brian Cipenga scored for DR Congo in the 7th minute, before Harry Kane netted twice (75′ and 86′) to complete the comeback.
Who scored the goals for England?
Harry Kane scored both England goals, heading in an equaliser in the 75th minute and rifling home the winner in the 86th. Substitute Anthony Gordon provided the assist for each goal.
Who will England play in the Round of 16?
England will face co-hosts Mexico in the Round of 16 at Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca). Mexico reached the last 16 by beating Ecuador 2-0 in their Round of 32 tie.
Did DR Congo deserve more from the match?
DR Congo defended well and led for much of the game through Cipenga’s early goal, with goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi making five saves. However, England created the better chances and finished with an xG of 2.16 to DR Congo’s 0.77, making the comeback deserved on the balance of play.
Where was the England vs DR Congo match played?
The match was played at Atlanta Stadium (the official FIFA tournament name for Mercedes-Benz Stadium) in Atlanta, Georgia, with kick-off at midday local time on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
