The England national football team faced the DR Congo national football team on Wednesday in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32, marking the first-ever senior international meeting between the two nations.
England entered the knockout match after finishing top of Group L with seven points, while DR Congo qualified as one of the best third-placed teams from Group K. The match was played at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with a place in the Round of 16 at stake in this England vs DR Congo showdown.
England vs DR Congo Match Preview and Tournament Journey
The buildup to England vs DR Congo centered on England’s impressive group-stage campaign. Thomas Tuchel’s side defeated Croatia 4–2 and Panama 2–0 before drawing 0–0 with Ghana to finish first in Group L.
DR Congo also impressed despite finishing third in Group K. The Leopards earned four points, including a memorable 1–1 draw against the Portugal national football team and a 3–1 victory over Uzbekistan to reach the knockout stage.
According to Opta’s pre-match projections, England entered the contest as strong favorites to progress, although DR Congo had already shown they could trouble top teams on the counterattack.
Team News and Key Players
England entered the match with major concerns in defense after injuries ruled out Reece James, Tino Livramento, and Jarell Quansah. Their absences forced manager Thomas Tuchel to consider either Djed Spence or Ezri Konsa at right-back.
England again relied on Harry Kane, who entered the match with three tournament goals, alongside Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka.
DR Congo looked to Yoane Wissa to provide the main attacking threat, while defenders Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe brought valuable Premier League experience to the back line. With a place in the last 16 on the line, England vs DR Congo promised to be one of the standout fixtures of the knockout round.
Full-Time Update
England recovered from an early setback to defeat DR Congo 2-1 and secure their place in the next round after Harry Kane scored twice in a dramatic second-half comeback.
DR Congo stunned England in the seventh minute when Brian Cipenga finished at the back post after Djed Spence was pulled out of position, giving the underdogs a dream start. England struggled to respond, losing composure as Jude Bellingham received a yellow card for a sliding challenge. Despite increasing the pressure, the Three Lions were repeatedly denied by goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who made a series of impressive saves. England also saw strong penalty appeals waved away just before halftime after Harry Kane went down inside the box.
Thomas Tuchel changed the game in the 60th minute by introducing Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka, and the substitutions transformed England’s attack.
Key Match Moments
7′ Goal – DR Congo 1-0 England: Brian Cipenga fires home at the back post after Djed Spence is dragged out of position.
10′ Yellow Card – England: Jude Bellingham is booked for a sliding tackle as England struggle to regain control.
45′ Penalty Appeal – England: Harry Kane goes down inside the penalty area, but the referee waves play on despite strong protests.
60′ Substitutions – England: Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka replace teammates as Thomas Tuchel reshapes his attack.
75′ Goal – England 1-1 DR Congo: Anthony Gordon provides a precise cross, and Harry Kane heads it past Lionel Mpasi to level the score. 75′ Milestone: Kane’s goal ties him with Pelé’s record of 12 FIFA World Cup goals.
86′ Goal – England 2-1 DR Congo: Kane controls the ball inside the box, turns his defender, and curls a superb finish into the top-right corner to complete the comeback.
86′ Historic Milestone: Kane scores his 13th World Cup goal, surpassing Pelé to become one of the tournament’s greatest goalscorers.
90+ Full Time: England complete the comeback to defeat DR Congo 2-1 and advance after surviving a major scare.
England vs DR Congo Results Today: FIFA World Cup Live Score, Updates, Stats