England struck twice in the closing stages to break DR Congo hearts, coming from behind to secure a 2-1 victory and book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, where they will face Mexico.

For much of the contest, the Leopards looked on course for one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. Organized at the back and dangerous on the counterattack, the African side frustrated England for over 70 minutes before Harry Kane’s late heroics turned the match around.

DR Congo made a confident start and gradually grew into the game after weathering England’s early possession. Their breakthrough came in the seventh minute when Brian Cipenga calmly finished a superb move, firing a low right-footed effort into the bottom corner after being picked out by captain Chancel Mbemba.

The early goal gave the Congolese confidence as they continued to press aggressively and disrupt England’s rhythm. The match became increasingly physical, with frequent fouls breaking up play and Jude Bellingham receiving the game’s first yellow card for a reckless challenge.

England struggled to create clear-cut opportunities throughout the opening half despite dominating possession. Jude Bellingham saw a headed effort miss the target before another header was comfortably saved in stoppage time, while Noni Madueke also had an effort blocked as DR Congo went into the break with a deserved 1-0 advantage.

The Three Lions emerged with greater urgency after halftime, introducing Marcus Rashford before Gareth Southgate made further attacking changes by bringing on Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze in search of an equalizer.

Despite England’s improved display, DR Congo continued to threaten on the counterattack. Nathanaël Mbuku came close with a long-range effort, while the African side remained disciplined defensively and looked capable of holding onto their lead.

However, England’s persistence eventually paid off. In the 75th minute, Anthony Gordon delivered an excellent cross into the penalty area where Harry Kane rose highest to power a header beyond the goalkeeper and level the scores at 1-1.

With momentum now firmly on England’s side, the Europeans pushed relentlessly for a winner while DR Congo battled bravely to force extra time.

The decisive moment arrived in stoppage time. In the 90th minute, Anthony Gordon again turned provider, finding Kane inside the box. The England captain unleashed a powerful right-footed strike into the top corner to complete the comeback and send the Three Lions into the Round of 16.

The final whistle confirmed England’s 2-1 victory, ending DR Congo’s impressive World Cup campaign in heartbreaking fashion.

For the Leopards, it was another painful reminder of the fine margins at the highest level. After leading for more than an hour and producing a disciplined performance against one of the tournament favourites, they were undone by two late goals from one of the world’s most clinical strikers.

The defeat also continued a worrying trend for African nations in the knockout stage, with DR Congo joining South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal as teams eliminated after conceding decisive goals in the closing stages of their matches.

England now advance to face Mexico in the Round of 16, while DR Congo leave the tournament with heads held high after a spirited campaign that came to a cruel end in the dying moments.