DR Congo dreamed of a historic upset after Cipenga’s early goal, but Harry Kane struck twice in the second half to send England into the World Cup last 16.
England survived the scare. DR Congo earned the applause.
Thomas Tuchel’s team came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup, booking a place in the last 16 against Mexico. The night belonged to Harry Kane, who scored twice in the final 15 minutes to drag England away from trouble and keep its tournament alive.
For a long time, this was far more uncomfortable than England expected.
DR Congo started with courage, aggression and confidence, and shocked England after just seven minutes. Cipenga punished a lapse in the English defense, finding space and beating Jordan Pickford at the near post. The England goalkeeper was not flawless on the play, while Spence lost track of Cipenga at the decisive moment.
The early goal changed the match. DR Congo suddenly believed, while England had to chase. Tuchel’s team took time to recover but eventually began to create pressure. Jude Bellingham was the most dangerous English player in the first half, forcing two excellent saves from Mpasi-Nzau, who delivered a superb performance in goal.
Kane was less involved early, though he did appeal for a penalty after a low challenge from the goalkeeper. The referee judged the intervention legal, and VAR did not overturn the decision.
DR Congo had its own major chance to extend the lead. Wissa hit the post from close range, wasting a golden opportunity that could have changed the entire night. It was the moment that kept England alive.
In the second half, England still struggled to turn possession into clear chances. DR Congo defended with discipline, Mpasi-Nzau continued to inspire confidence, and Wan-Bissaka impressed in both phases of the game. But Tuchel’s substitutions eventually changed the rhythm.
The introductions of Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze gave England more speed, width and directness. Gordon, in particular, made the difference. In the 75th minute, he delivered the assist for Kane’s equalizer, with the England captain finally beating Mpasi-Nzau to make it 1-1.
Once England found the first goal, the pressure grew. DR Congo began to tire, and Kane smelled the moment.
In the 86th minute, the striker completed the comeback with a powerful right-footed finish under the crossbar. It was classic Kane: quiet for stretches, ruthless when the game demanded a finisher.
England moves on, but with plenty to review. Pickford had problems on the opening goal, the defensive line looked vulnerable early, and the attack needed the bench to change the game. Still, knockout soccer is about survival, and Kane ensured England survived.
DR Congo exits the tournament with heads held high. Cipenga was electric, Mpasi-Nzau was outstanding, and Sébastien Desabre’s team pushed one of the tournament’s favorites to the edge.
England advances to face Mexico. DR Congo goes home, but not without leaving a mark on this World Cup.
Match Report
England 2-1 DR Congo
Halftime: 0-1
Goals: 7’ Cipenga, 75’ Kane, 86’ Kane
England: Pickford; Spence (70’ Eze), Konsa, Guéhi, O’Reilly; Rice (90+1’ Stones), Anderson, Bellingham; Rashford (61’ Gordon), Madueke (61’ Saka), Kane.
Coach: Thomas Tuchel
DR Congo: Mpasi-Nzau; Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Wan-Bissaka, Moutoussamy (89’ Mayele), Mukau (76’ Kayembe), Mbuku (64’ Elia), Sadiki; Cipenga (76’ Bongonda), Wissa.
Coach: Sébastien Desabre
Referee: Makhadmeh (Jordan)
Yellow Cards: Bellingham, Sadiki
Red Cards: None
