Match Events
play_arrow3 clips- 7′Congo DR, goal:0–1assist
- 19′England, yellow card:
- 27′Congo DR, yellow card:
- 44′England, VAR review:Penalty cancelled
- Half-time0 – 1
- 60′England, substitution:off
- 60′England, substitution:off
- 64′Congo DR, substitution:off
- 71′England, substitution:off
- 75′England, goal:1–1assist
- 76′Congo DR, substitution:off
- 76′Congo DR, substitution:off
- 86′England, goal:2–1assist
- 89′Congo DR, substitution:off
- 89′Congo DR, substitution:Fiston Mayeleoff
- 90′England, substitution:off
- Full-time2 – 1
Lineups
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Key Stats
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England
Congo DR
Match report
Kane double sinks Congo DR as England fight back to reach last 16
England came from behind to beat Congo DR 2-1 in the World Cup Round of 32 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, overturning a half-time deficit with two late goals from Harry Kane. The result continued Thomas Tuchel's side's unbeaten run heading into the knockout stage.
AI-assisted match report written from official match data.
Congo DR shocked the favourites early on, taking the lead in the 7th minute when Brian Cipenga finished from a Chancel Mbemba assist, leaving England to chase the game for long spells. Sebastien Desabre's side held that advantage through to the interval, defending resolutely despite England's territorial dominance.
England's pressure eventually told in the closing stages. Kane levelled in the 75th minute, converting an Anthony Gordon assist, before the same combination struck again in the 86th minute to complete the turnaround and send England through to the next round.
Across the match England dominated possession at 60 percent and out-shot their opponents 16 to 7, with 7 shots on target against Congo DR's 2, underlining the control they exerted even while behind on the scoreboard.
Kane scored both of England's goals, turning the match with a 75th-minute equaliser and an 86th-minute winner to finish with a rating of 8.3.
England's 2.04 expected goals total, more than double Congo DR's 0.8, reflected the volume of quality chances they created despite falling behind.
England beat Congo DR 2–1 (half-time 0–1).
England met Congo DR in the World Cup (Round of 32). Kick-off was Wednesday, 1 July 2026, 16:00 UTC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Referee: Adham Mohammad.
Key moments
- 7' Goal: Brian Cipenga (assist: Chancel Mbemba) — 0–1 · Watch Brian Cipenga's goal video (7')
- 75' Goal: Harry Kane (assist: Anthony Gordon) — 1–1 · Watch Harry Kane's goal video (75')
- 86' Goal: Harry Kane (assist: Anthony Gordon) — 2–1 · Watch Harry Kane's goal video (86')
Starting line-ups
England (4-2-3-1)
Congo DR (4-3-3)
About this match
On this page: the England vs Congo DR final score and result, goal highlights and video clips of every goal, who scored, starting lineups, match stats and the full match report from this World Cup fixture.
- Who scored and when — a goal-by-goal timeline of the match.
- Match stats — possession, shots, expected goals (xG), corners and cards.
- Starting lineups and player ratings for both teams.
- Head-to-head record and recent form for both sides.
- Watch Brian Cipenga's goal against England (7').
- Watch Harry Kane's goal against Congo DR (75').
- Watch Harry Kane's goal against Congo DR (86').
Watch the goals: goal highlights and video clips of every goal from England 2–1 Congo DR. Explore more on the England and Congo DR team pages or the World Cup page.