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- England vs DR Congo Highlights, FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32: Kane inspires England in 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo
A huge sigh of relief for England as they scrape through a dramatic Round of 32 clash in Atlanta. DR Congo pushed them all the way, but Harry Kane’s second-half brace proves decisive as England complete the comeback.
England now move into the Round of 16 where they will face tournament co-hosts Mexico, after El Tri beat Ecuador 2-0 to book their place in the next round.
Yoane Wissa steps up for DR Congo’s last chance with the game deep into stoppage time, but his effort never dips enough and flies over the bar. Elliot Anderson is part of the defensive wall as England hold their shape under real pressure.
That turns out to be DR Congo’s final opportunity, and England survive a massive late scare to stay in front in Atlanta.
Harry Kane has overtaken Pelé in World Cup scoring, moving to 13 goals at the tournament with his second-half brace in Atlanta.
He scored his first in the 75’ minute to make it 1-1, before striking again in the 87’ minute to complete England’s comeback and put them 2-1 ahead. It’s a decisive contribution in a knockout clash, with Kane delivering both goals as England turn the game around from 0-1 at half-time
Captain Fantastic does it again! Harry Kane produces a brilliant finish to turn the game on its head and put England in front for the first time in Atlanta.
It’s a moment of real quality from the England skipper, who steps up when it matters most to complete the turnaround and leave DR Congo stunned after such a disciplined display.
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England continue to turn the screw as Jude Bellingham works his way down the left, reaching the byline and trying to square the ball into the six-yard box for Nico O’Reilly. However, DR Congo get enough bodies back to block the danger and eventually hack the ball clear.
Still, England are firmly on the front foot now, pinning DR Congo back into their own box as they search for a late winner in Atlanta.
Harry Kane reaches a historic World Cup milestone, equalling Pelé’s record with his 12th goal in the competition to bring England level in Atlanta. It is his 4th of the tournament, further underlining his status as England’s key man on the biggest stage.
The goal comes after good work from Declan Rice on the right and Anthony Gordon keeping the move alive, but the moment is defined by Kane’s finish. His movement inside the box and composed strike restore parity for England against DR Congo, as he draws level with Pelé in the World Cup scoring charts.
BREAKTHROUGH for England at last as Harry Kane pulls them level. Anthony Gordon delivers a clipped cross from the left, a delicate looping ball into the box that finds Kane unmarked around six yards out.
The England captain guides a composed header across goal and into the left-hand side of the net. Lionel Mpasi gets a hand to it but cannot keep it out as England finally find their equaliser and breathe life back into their knockout hopes in Atlanta.
England make a series of tactical adjustments after the hydration break as they chase the game. Declan Rice drops into right-back, a move that adds more control and flexibility in possession but also invites scrutiny given the situation on the scoreline.
Djed Spence is withdrawn for Eberechi Eze in an attacking change from Thomas Tuchel, signalling it is now or never for England as they throw more creativity and risk into the final stages in search of an equaliser.
Play resumes in Atlanta after the hydration break, with England hoping Thomas Tuchel’s words have sparked something in a side still chasing the game. With around 20 minutes left, they are running out of time to avoid what would be a huge giant-killing result, given the expectations on this squad and the talent available.
DR Congo continue to defend with real discipline and belief, standing firm in what is shaping up as a potential famous upset if they can hold on. England restart on the ball as they look to crank up the pressure in the closing stages.
A hydration break brings a pause in the action in Atlanta, with England continuing to probe and look for openings but finding DR Congo extremely well organised and difficult to break down.
Every small lapse in possession from England immediately turns into danger at the other end, with DR Congo quick to break and force pressure situations, often resulting in corners or sustained attacks. It’s been a disciplined, controlled defensive performance from DR Congo so far, as they continue to frustrate England and protect their one-goal lead.
DR Congo make their first change of the evening as Nathanael Mbuku is replaced by Meschack Elia. It’s a like-for-like attacking switch as they look to maintain their threat on the break while protecting their narrow lead in Atlanta.
England make a double change as Thomas Tuchel looks to inject fresh energy into the wide areas. Bukayo Saka replaces Noni Madueke on the right, while Anthony Gordon comes on for Marcus Rashford on the left.
It’s a clear attempt to raise the intensity and stretch the DR Congo defence, with both substitutions aimed at adding more direct running and urgency in the final third as England chase an equaliser.
England continue to pile on the pressure but still cannot find a way through as another big chance goes begging. Jude Bellingham’s effort takes a wicked deflection inside the box, completely wrong-footing everyone, but Lionel Mpasi somehow reacts in time to keep it out.
The ball loops awkwardly upward after the save, and even as the goalkeeper ends up on the ground, he manages to stop it from crossing the line again in a stunning piece of reflex keeping. It’s another remarkable intervention from Mpasi, who is keeping DR Congo in front almost single-handedly as England’s frustration grows.
Referee Adham Makhadmeh is not impressed with the pushing and shoving inside the penalty area and orders England to retake their second corner. England get another chance to deliver from the set-piece, but DR Congo stand firm once again and deal with the danger comfortably.
The resulting delivery comes to nothing as England’s pressure from the corner fails to produce an equaliser.
England start the second half on the front foot as Nico O’Reilly wins a corner after some sustained pressure. The delivery into a packed DR Congo penalty area causes more problems, with Arthur Masuaku forced to hack the ball behind for another corner.
It’s a positive early spell from England as they look to pin DR Congo back and find a way back into the contest.
We are back underway in Atlanta for the second half, with DR Congo kicking off this time as they look to protect their surprise lead. England have it all to do after a frustrating opening 45 minutes where they were repeatedly denied by an inspired Lionel Mpasi.
The big question now is whether DR Congo can hold their nerve and continue this upset bid, or whether England can respond quickly and turn the game around in this knockout clash.
DR Congo go into half-time with a shock 1-0 lead after a thrilling and eventful opening 45 minutes in Atlanta. Brian Cipenga’s early strike gave them a dream start, punishing England for a defensive lapse, and they have more than held their own since.
England have had their moments, coming close through Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane, but have been repeatedly denied by an inspired Lionel Mpasi in goal. The DR Congo keeper has made several crucial saves to preserve the advantage, including a stunning stop to deny Kane right at the end of the half.
It’s been a rollercoaster first half, chances at both ends, controversy around a VAR check, and DR Congo firmly in control of the scoreline as England are left with plenty to rethink at the break.
England win a late corner and Jude Bellingham urges the travelling supporters to raise the noise as they look for a crucial equaliser before half-time. The delivery causes real panic in the DR Congo box, with Harry Kane left free at the back post and lining up a volley from close range.
But Lionel Mpasi comes up huge again, producing a brilliant reaction save to keep out Kane’s effort and preserve DR Congo’s lead. It’s another massive moment from the goalkeeper, who continues to stand between England and a first-half equaliser in this rollercoaster half.
England think they may have a way back into the game as Harry Kane chases a through ball into the DR Congo box and goes down under pressure from Lionel Mpasi. The England striker knocks the ball past the goalkeeper before going to ground, but the referee immediately waves away the appeals, with minimal contact and Kane appearing to initiate the fall.
VAR takes a look at the incident, but ultimately agrees with the on-field decision that Kane had manufactured the situation. Play is allowed to continue with no penalty awarded, and to the surprise of DR Congo, no booking is shown either. There are loud reactions in the stadium as both sets of players react to a moment that could have swung the game either way, but England are left frustrated once again.
DR Congo come agonisingly close to doubling their lead as Aaron Wan-Bissaka drives forward and delivers a dangerous low cross into the near post. Yoane Wissa gets in front of Ezri Konsa from close range and meets it six yards out, but can only steer his effort onto the base of the right-hand post.
It’s a massive let-off for England, who are once again exposed defensively, while DR Congo will feel they should have been two goals up after a brilliant opening from Wan-Bissaka and a golden chance wasted by Wissa.
DR Congo briefly think they’ve opened England up down the right as Mbuku, Wan-Bissaka and Wissa combine neatly in a slick move, but the offside flag brings the attack to a halt just as they break through.
England break straight back through Marcus Rashford on the left touchline, only for him to be hauled down by Mukau, who somehow escapes a booking despite a clear handful of shirt. From the resulting set-piece, Declan Rice delivers another disappointing free-kick that fails to beat the first man, allowing DR Congo to clear comfortably as England’s frustration continues to build.
England show real intent as they enjoy one of their most positive spells of the game so far. Harry Kane’s effort is first blocked by Axel Tuanzebe in a key defensive intervention, before Marcus Rashford looks certain to score from close range.
However, former Manchester United team-mate Aaron Wan-Bissaka produces a brilliant goal-line block to keep it out, reacting quickly to deny England what looked like a guaranteed equaliser. It’s sharp, decisive defending under pressure, as England begin to build momentum and ask serious questions of the DR Congo back line.
DR Congo respond to England’s pressure with a spell of calm possession in midfield before suddenly springing into life down the left. Brian Cipenga skips past Djed Spence not once but twice, causing real problems with his pace and direct running.
The first time, his chipped cross nearly picks out Wissa in the middle, but Marc Guéhi gets back to head it clear. Moments later, Cipenga goes alone again but this time lashes his effort high and wide. Spence is really struggling to deal with him in this spell as DR Congo continue to look dangerous on the break
Declan Rice delivers a brilliant cross into the box and Jude Bellingham meets it with a diving header that looks destined for the top corner. However, Lionel Mpasi produces a superb reaction save, getting a strong hand to it and pushing the effort away to preserve DR Congo’s lead.
A huge moment in the game as England come within inches of equalising, only to be denied by an outstanding stop from the DR Congo goalkeeper.
Rice’s free-kick delivery is poor and looks easy for DR Congo to deal with, but Sadiki completely misses his clearance, turning it into a moment of panic at the back. The ball instead strikes Ezri Konsa and flies just inches wide of the top-right corner, with the defender completely unaware of how close he came to scoring.
Goalkeeper Mpasi was stranded and nowhere near it, and had it been on target, it would have been a certain goal, a huge let-off for DR Congo as England come inches away from levelling.
ngland try to build some momentum down the right as Djed Spence bursts forward with pace, forcing DR Congo into a hurried defensive reaction. He is brought down crudely by Sadiki, who arrives late with a clumsy challenge to stop the break.
The referee has no hesitation in pulling out the yellow card, booking Sadiki for the foul as England look to increase the tempo and find a way back into the game.
England are starting to lose their composure after going behind, with tackles flying in and frustration creeping into their play. Marcus Rashford goes in aggressively on Wan-Bissaka and then Mbuku in quick succession, with the referee allowing play to continue but England clearly on edge.
Moments before that, Jude Bellingham slides in late on Mbuku and is shown a yellow card. He has looked increasingly frustrated since DR Congo took the lead, and England will need to steady themselves quickly as discipline becomes an issue in this spell of the match.
That’s a huge moment in Atlanta as DR Congo take an early lead through Brian Cipenga. It’s a simple ball across the England back line, but Djed Spence leaves Cipenga completely unmarked, and he makes no mistake, hammering the finish home.
It’s the worst possible start for England, who are immediately on the back foot in this knockout clash. One shot, one goal for DR Congo, a perfect start for them, and England now have to chase the game much earlier than expected.
— FecofaRdc (@FecofaRdc)
DR Congo manager Sébastien Desabre has made one notable change to the side that beat Uzbekistan, bringing Ngal'ayel Mukau into midfield as his team lines up in a 4-3-3 formation for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash against England.
DR Congo Starting XI (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Lionel Mpasi
Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku
Midfielders: Ngal'ayel Mukau, Samuel Moutoussamy, Noah Sadiki
Forwards: Nathanaël Mbuku, Yoane Wissa, Brian Cipenga
Desabre has made a single change from the win over Uzbekistan, with Mukau coming into midfield to add greater control in the centre of the pitch. The tweak sees veteran striker Cédric Bakambu drop to the bench, while former Premier League duo Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Chancel Mbemba continue to anchor the defence against England's attack.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has made three changes to the side that beat Wales in the final group-stage match, with Declan Rice returning in midfield, Djed Spence coming in at right-back and Noni Madueke earning a start on the right wing. The Three Lions line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation for their Round of 32 clash against DR Congo.
England Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
Defenders: Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi, Nico O'Reilly
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson
Attacking Midfielders: Noni Madueke, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford
Tuchel has refreshed his side with three key adjustments. Spence fills in at right-back following injuries, Rice returns to anchor the midfield after missing the final group-stage fixture, while Madueke replaces Bukayo Saka on the right flank. Rashford keeps his place on the left, with Anthony Gordon again starting on the bench.
— England (@England)
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has provided DR Congo with an opportunity to rewrite decades of painful football history. During their only previous appearance in 1974, when the country competed as Zaire, they lost all three group-stage matches, failed to score and conceded 14 goals.
More than half a century later, the story has changed dramatically. DR Congo have recorded their first World Cup victory, reached the knockout rounds for the first time and earned global admiration for their disciplined performances.
Facing England is another huge challenge, but regardless of the outcome, this generation has already transformed the nation's World Cup legacy.
The group stage allowed England to build momentum, but the knockout rounds bring an entirely different level of pressure. Every mistake now carries greater consequences, with elimination just one defeat away.
Although DR Congo enter the match as underdogs, England know they cannot afford complacency against a side that has already exceeded expectations. Beyond this fixture, potentially difficult encounters against the likes of Mexico, Brazil and Argentina could await.
For now, however, England's full attention must remain on overcoming one of the tournament's most determined teams.
Captain Chancel Mbemba has become the heartbeat of DR Congo's defensive unit. Alongside Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe and Arthur Masuaku, he has helped build one of the tournament's most resilient backlines.
The defenders work together to deny space, forcing opponents into difficult shooting positions while remaining dangerous from set pieces. England's attackers know they will not receive many clear opportunities, making efficiency in front of goal essential. If Mbemba can inspire another disciplined defensive display, DR Congo could once again surprise the football world.
England may have finished top of their group, but not everyone has been convinced by their performances. Critics have questioned whether Thomas Tuchel has found the ideal balance in attack, with the Three Lions often struggling to create clear-cut opportunities despite controlling matches.
Against DR Congo's organised defensive structure, England will require patience, intelligent movement and greater creativity in the final third. Tuchel's tactical decisions, including substitutions and formation tweaks, could ultimately decide whether England progress comfortably or find themselves involved in another tense World Cup knockout battle.
DR Congo have already achieved something no previous generation managed by reaching the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup. Their victory over Uzbekistan not only secured qualification but also delivered the nation's first-ever World Cup win.
Now the Congolese have an opportunity to make even more history by eliminating one of football's biggest nations. The squad has shown remarkable resilience despite difficult preparations before the tournament and has embraced the underdog tag.
Regardless of the result, this campaign has already become one of the proudest chapters in the country's football history.
England's backline has looked solid throughout the group stage, but the Round of 32 presents a completely different examination. Rather than facing sustained possession, John Stones, Marc Guéhi and Jordan Pickford must deal with quick transitions and direct attacks from DR Congo.
Sébastien Desabre's side is happy to defend deep before launching rapid counterattacks through Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu. England's full-backs will also need to carefully balance their attacking responsibilities with defensive awareness.
Maintaining concentration for the full 90 minutes could be just as important as England's attacking performance.
While England possess the bigger names, DR Congo have a genuine match-winner in Yoane Wissa. The forward has emerged as one of the standout performers of the tournament, scoring three of his country's four group-stage goals, including two in the historic victory over Uzbekistan.
Wissa's pace, intelligent movement and understanding with Cédric Bakambu make DR Congo extremely dangerous on the counterattack. England are expected to dominate possession, but any careless turnover could allow Wissa the opportunity to punish them.
Thomas Tuchel's defenders will need to remain alert throughout the contest if they are to keep the Congolese attack quiet.
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham answered questions about their goalscoring form during the group stage by combining for five goals as England topped Group L. Yet the pressure on the duo only increases as the knockout rounds begin.
England have struggled at times to create consistent chances despite dominating possession, and breaking down DR Congo's compact defence will require moments of brilliance.
Kane's movement inside the penalty area and Bellingham's ability to drive through midfield could prove decisive. If England are to progress comfortably, their two biggest stars will need to produce another match-winning performance.
Few coaches have had a greater impact on their national team than Sébastien Desabre. Since taking charge, he has built DR Congo into a disciplined and resilient outfit capable of competing against stronger opponents. His side has recorded 29 clean sheets in 57 matches, highlighting the defensive structure that has become its biggest strength.
During the World Cup, Desabre has shown tactical flexibility by switching from his preferred back four to a five-man defence, allowing his players to frustrate technically superior teams. England will face a side that is comfortable without possession and thrives on counterattacks, making this one of the trickiest Round of 32 fixtures.
England begin the knockout phase of the FIFA World Cup 2026 knowing there is little room for error. Thomas Tuchel's side progressed comfortably from Group L with wins over Croatia and Panama before drawing against Ghana to finish top.
However, their performances have not completely convinced critics, particularly in attack. Standing in their way is a DR Congo side making history by reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. Under Sébastien Desabre, the African nation has become one of the tournament's most disciplined teams, combining defensive organisation with dangerous counterattacks.
England remain favourites, but they know one mistake could end their hopes of finally ending a 60-year wait for another World Cup title.
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Source: The Times of India
