England Complete Stunning Comeback to Reach the Round of 16
FULL-TIME! England complete a dramatic comeback to defeat DR Congo 2-1 and book their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after Harry Kane’s second-half brace overturns Brian Cipenga’s early opener.
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Wissa takes responsibility for the final free-kick of the match, but his effort sails comfortably over the crossbar, ending DR Congo’s hopes of a last-gasp equaliser.
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Bellingham concedes a dangerous free-kick on the edge of the attacking third after bringing down Wissa. DR Congo have one final opportunity to force extra time with virtually the last kick of the game.
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Full-time is moments away, and England are on the verge of completing a remarkable comeback after trailing since the seventh minute. DR Congo throw everything forward in one final attempt to rescue the match.
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England remain composed deep into stoppage time, protecting their 2-1 advantage as every clearance is cheered by the travelling supporters.
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Six minutes of added time are confirmed. Rice departs after an exhausting display, with John Stones introduced to strengthen England’s defence for the closing moments.
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DR Congo make a late double substitution as Joris Kayembe replaces Arthur Masuaku and Fiston Mayele comes on for Samuel Moutoussamy in a final roll of the dice.
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Harry Kane’s stunning finish is his fifth goal of the tournament, underlining another decisive performance from England’s captain on the biggest stage.
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GOAL! England complete the comeback to lead 2-1. After Bellingham’s effort is saved, Anthony Gordon picks out Kane on the edge of the area, and the striker unleashes a powerful strike into the top-right corner beyond the helpless Mpasi.
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DR Congo refuse to retreat despite conceding. Elia tests Pickford with a powerful effort after an earlier cross is blocked, while England patiently build another attack through Saka as the match opens up.
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England continue to press after drawing level, keeping DR Congo pinned back as both sides search for a decisive goal in a tense final phase.
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With 10 minutes plus stoppage time remaining, the momentum is firmly with England after Kane’s equaliser, while DR Congo look to regroup and hit on the counter.
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Kane’s equaliser came from England’s 38th cross of the match, their highest total in a World Cup game since 1998. Their persistence has finally been rewarded.
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DR Congo make a double substitution. Goalscorer Brian Cipenga is replaced by Theo Bongonda, while Noah Mukau makes way for Edo Kayembe to add fresh energy for the closing stages.
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Rice’s corner finds Konsa, but his header drifts wide. England keep attacking, although another promising cross is comfortably cleared by the DR Congo defence.
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Kane is forced away from goal before feeding Saka, whose dangerous cross is headed behind by Wan-Bissaka as England earn yet another corner.
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Thomas Tuchel makes another attacking change, introducing Eberechi Eze for Djed Spence after the hydration break in an attempt to maintain England’s attacking momentum.
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Mbemba continues to dominate his battle with Kane, winning another crucial aerial duel before heading a dangerous cross clear. Moments later, substitute Elia announces his arrival with a rapid sprint that forces O’Reilly into an equally impressive recovery run.
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DR Congo make their first change of the afternoon as lively winger Mbuku makes way for the experienced Meschack Elia, adding fresh legs to the attack.
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Mbuku delivers another dangerous cross from the right, but O’Reilly stretches to block it behind for a corner. The short set-piece creates another chance, with Mbuku’s goal-bound effort eventually headed over the bar by Anderson.
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England make a second attacking change as Marcus Rashford is replaced by Anthony Gordon, who takes over on the left wing.
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Thomas Tuchel makes his first substitution, introducing Bukayo Saka in place of Noni Madueke on the right flank in an effort to spark England’s attack.
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An hour has gone, and England continue to dominate possession in search of an equaliser. DR Congo remain compact and disciplined in defence, frustrating every English attack as they protect their 1-0 advantage.
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DR Congo are showing why confidence can transform a team. Their 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan ended a 52-year wait for a FIFA World Cup win, and they are now defending with belief, organisation, and determination.
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England continue the pressure from the end of the first half. Masuaku is forced to concede a corner on the right, and although Rice’s delivery creates a scramble in the box, the referee orders a retake after spotting excessive holding in the middle.
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England’s attacking numbers underline how difficult their first half was. Every shot and touch inside the DR Congo penalty area came only after the first hydration break. Thomas Tuchel’s side now need a much stronger start to the second half if they are to find an equaliser.
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DR Congo’s left flank was their biggest weapon before the break, with 51% of their attacks coming down that side. Cipenga completed more dribbles than any other player in the first half, and England must find a way to contain his influence.
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The second half is underway as DR Congo kick off with a 1-0 advantage. England begin the final 45 minutes searching for a response and a route back into the Round of 32 contest.
45’+7′ ⏸️ HALF-TIME! The referee brings the first half to an end with DR Congo leading England 1-0 after a disciplined defensive display and a heroic performance from goalkeeper Mpasi.
45’+6′ 🧤 MPASI DOES IT AGAIN! Rice’s corner finds Kane at the back post, but the DR Congo goalkeeper somehow reacts to make another stunning close-range save and deny England a dramatic equaliser.
45’+6′ ⚽ England keep pushing as Bellingham switches play to Madueke. His cross is partially cleared by Wan-Bissaka before Bellingham earns another late corner, piling on the pressure.
45’+4′ 🛡️ Anderson slides in on Sadiki near the touchline and appeals for a throw-in, but the decision goes DR Congo’s way. Everything seems to be falling in the Leopards’ favour as England head toward the break searching for answers.
45’+2′ 🧤 WHAT A SAVE FROM MPASI! Bellingham powers a header toward the bottom corner after meeting a perfect cross, but Mpasi produces a spectacular fingertip save to keep DR Congo’s 1-0 lead intact. A Golden Glove-worthy stop!
45’+1′ ⏱️ The fourth official signals six minutes of added time, giving England one last chance to find an equaliser before halftime.
45′ ⚽ Rice breaks into space on the left and cuts the ball back for Rashford, but a wall of DR Congo defenders closes him down before he can get a shot away.
44′ 🚫 Kane chases a long ball and collides with the onrushing Mpasi, with England appealing for a penalty. The referee isn’t interested and awards a free-kick to DR Congo instead.
42′ 😱 WISSA HITS THE POST! DR Congo come within inches of doubling their lead as Wan-Bissaka delivers a superb cross, but Wissa’s first-time finish crashes against the upright.
42′ 🛡️ England’s frustration grows as Spence believes he’s won a corner, but Tuanzebe’s excellent defending forces a goal kick instead.
40′ ⚠️ England look vulnerable defensively. Mbuku takes advantage of loose defending and wins another corner as DR Congo continue to threaten.
39′ England take a quick free-kick, Rashford wins another foul down the left, but Rice’s delivery fails to beat the first defender as another promising attack breaks down.
37′ – DR Congo continue to stand tall at the back. Another England attack is blocked away as the Leopards defend with determination, keeping their clean sheet intact despite growing pressure.
35′ – OFF THE LINE! Noni Madueke beats his marker brilliantly down the right before clipping the ball into the box. The cross is flicked on and Marcus Rashford looks certain to score, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka produces a superb goal-line clearance.
34′ – England are enjoying their best spell of possession, but DR Congo remain compact defensively. Nico O’Reilly’s foul eventually brings the attack to an end.
32′ – Brian Cipenga continues to trouble England’s defence. The winger skips past Djed Spence down the left and reaches the byline, but his dangerous cross narrowly misses Yoane Wissa.
30′ – BIG SAVE! Lionel Mpasi reacts brilliantly to push away Jude Bellingham’s powerful header after an excellent cross from Declan Rice.
28′ – Ezri Konsa gets a touch to Rice’s dangerous free-kick, but the effort drifts narrowly wide of the far post with Mpasi beaten.
28′ – Yellow Card – Noah Sadiki (DR Congo). The midfielder is booked for bringing down Noni Madueke after the England winger bursts past Arthur Masuaku.
26′ – Play resumes after the hydration break. Madueke goes down inside the penalty area following a strong challenge, but the referee waves away England’s penalty appeals
25′ – England continue to dominate possession but struggle to find a breakthrough, while DR Congo remain disciplined and confident.
23′ – The referee signals the first hydration break. Frustrated England supporters voice their disappointment after a difficult opening spell.
21′ – England look rattled after conceding early. Marcus Rashford commits a foul on Nathanael Mbuku as DR Congo continue to move the ball confidently.
19′ – Yellow Card – Jude Bellingham (England). The midfielder is cautioned after a late challenge on Mbuku.
19′ – Cipenga finds Yoane Wissa, whose effort is blocked before England eventually clear their lines.
17′ – Marcus Rashford curls an inviting cross into the penalty area, but Lionel Mpasi races off his line to punch clear before Bellingham can connect.
16′ – Elliot Anderson wins possession from Cipenga before England launch a counterattack. Bellingham’s
14′ – England respond well as Declan Rice drives down the left and wins a corner. His subsequent delivery fails to find a teammate.
12′ – England search for an immediate response, knowing they have not won a World Cup match after conceding first since the 1966 final.
11′ – The early setback visibly affects England, with Rice and Bellingham urging teammates to regain composure.
9′ – Play is briefly halted after Lionel Mpasi collides with a teammate while collecting the ball. The goalkeeper is able to continue.
7′ – GOAL! DR Congo 1-0 England. Brian Cipenga finishes a sweeping move after Chancel Mbemba’s superb long pass finds him in space down the left. The winger makes no mistake to give DR Congo a dream start in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32.
7′ – GOAL! DR Congo 1-0 England
Brian Cipenga puts DR Congo ahead after capitalizing on an early attacking move. England are forced onto the back foot as the underdogs take a surprise lead in Atlanta.
5′ – DR Congo Start Positively
The African side enjoy a confident opening spell, pressing England high and forcing the Three Lions to defend deep during the opening exchanges.
1′ – Kick-off
England and DR Congo get the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash underway, with a place in the Round of 16 against Mexico at stake.
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