Before the Round of 16 match at the 2026 World Cup, experts speculated on the margin by which England would defeat DR Congo. However, it was only Harry Kane’s brilliance that spared the Three Lions from embarrassment.
The African side took the lead as early as the 7th minute. They caught England off guard, leaving Sipenga unmarked on the edge of the penalty area, who skillfully controlled the ball before firing a precise shot into the near lower corner.
Surprisingly, England did not register their first shot until the 29th minute. Pickford was forced into action to parry a powerful header from Bellingham following a Rice cross.
By the 42nd minute, DR Congo had a chance to further put England on the back foot. After a cross from the flank, Wissa struck from inside the six-yard box but hit the post.
In stoppage time, DR Congo’s goalkeeper Mpasi was the dominant figure. He first saved a close-range header from Bellingham, who had dived to meet the ball. Then he denied Kane’s fierce right-footed volley, which came as he connected with a Rice corner.
The turning point came with a substitution: Rashford was replaced by Gordon. Anthony Gordon quickly made an impact, providing two assists that allowed Kane to secure England’s victory.
In the 75th minute, following a cross from Gordon, Kane outjumped a defender to head in his fourth goal of the tournament. Ten minutes later, Mpasi made another crucial save from Bellingham’s shot. The ball rebounded to Gordon, who laid it off to Kane. Harry then shrugged off his marker and unleashed a powerful right-footed strike under the crossbar.
The match ended 2-1 in a hard-fought win for England, who will face Mexico in the next round.
World Cup 2026
England 2–1 DR Congo (0–1)
