England vs DR Congo 2-1: FIFA World Cup 2026 – as it happened

England recover from the verge of a shock round of 32 elimination to beat DR Congo 2-1 in Atlanta.

They next face a red-hot Mexico team in the Azteca on Sunday, so it will not get any easier for the Three Lions.

We hope you enjoyed our coverage of today’s encounter, and on behalf of Patrick Keddie, this is Rohan Sharma signing off.

England come back to claim their spot in the Round of 16! 🙌#FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 1, 2026

We aren’t quite over with our World Cup coverage today.

Next up, we have cohosts USA taking on Bosnia-Herzegovina for a shot at the round of 16.

The live blog starts at 21:00 GMT, so make sure to tune in!

Knock Knock. 🚪

IT’S MATCHDAY FOR THE USA! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/gLsTmnTp44

— U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team (@USMNT) July 1, 2026

Kane at the double!

England ahead and it’s that man again. Harry Kane is the first Three Lions player to score twice in a World Cup knockout match since Gary Lineker vs Cameroon in 1990. pic.twitter.com/pruxb23tXy

— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) July 1, 2026

100 – Courtesy of Anthony Gordon’s assist, Premier League players (those who played in the English top-flight in 2025-26) have registered 100 goal involvements at the #FIFAWORLDCUP in 2026 (54 goals, 46 assists).

That’s 52 more than any other league.

Dominance. pic.twitter.com/32RWmeJTtO

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 1, 2026

30 – Jude Bellingham’s 30th minute header was England’s longest wait on record for a shot in a FIFA World Cup match (since 1966).

Delayed. pic.twitter.com/QkTQipcZ3q

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 1, 2026

8 + 20 – All eight of England’s shots and all 20 of their touches in the opposition box in the first half came following the hydration break.

Momentum. pic.twitter.com/WWZGKJ0CUK

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 1, 2026

England captain Harry Kane caught up with the host broadcaster: “It feels amazing – crazy game. First and foremost, they are a tough team, especially after going behind.

“After the first hydration break, we were unbelievable. [Lionel] Mpasi made some great saves.

“We spoke about people having hero moments, and it was there today.

“You have to stay patient in these games. Last couple of games were very similar. In knockout football, the pressure and stakes are higher.

“It was probably our best game of the tournament so far. This one and the next one will be difficult games. [Next we are] away in Mexico against Mexico. We are in the part of the tournament where we have to grind out results

“The subs will make an impact. Wingers are fresh and can keep the level even higher. We are tough to handle for 90 minutes. Pleased for everybody involved.”

England manager Thomas Tuchel spoke with the host broadcaster after the match: “We kept believing. [They scored a] first shot, first goal from a half chance. Then it became more difficult.

“After the first [hydration] break we were on top of the game. We kept knocking [the door] and kept believing. Subs came on and put the effort in. Well-deserved [victory], but we had to work hard.

“We have to have that mindset. If it is getting hard, don’t lose patience, don’t lose belief. It was incredible the kind of saves [Lionel Mpasi] he had, but full credit to the mindset the [England] players showed.”

51% – Over half of Congo DR’s first half attacking touches came in England’s right third.

Brian Cipenga attempted more than half of their dribbles (5/9).

Problem. pic.twitter.com/UxmRiTye34

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 1, 2026

The England captain bangs in his fourth and fifth goals of the tournament to spare England blushes.

It looked like a likely upset with just 15 minutes remaining. But in combination with Gordon, who came off the bench, he was able to strike twice late in the game.

Spare a thought for Congo, specifically Mpasi, who were playing the game of their lives till that point.

Full-time: England 2-1 DR Congo 

And breathe. On we go at the @FIFAWorldCup! pic.twitter.com/jlBpurxKug

— England (@England) July 1, 2026

England come from behind to book their round of 16 match-up against Mexico!

Full-time: England 2-1 DR Congo 

The forward goes for goal, but the attempt is just over the crossbar.

England fans will be breathing a massive sigh of relief.

90+7 mins: England 2-1 DR Congo 

Bellingham gives away a silly free-kick chance for Congo outside the box.

Wissa looks to go goal-bound as he stands over it.

90+6 mins: England 2-1 DR Congo 

The Three Lions are looking to manage the clock, and stifle any further opportunities for their opponents.

It is played short as they once again circle the Congolese box.

90+4 mins: England 2-1 DR Congo 

With defence the key now, John Stones replaces Rice in midfield.

90+2 mins: England 2-1 DR Congo 

England will look to protect their lead.

Congo’s World Cup campaign is on the brink.

90+1 mins: England 2-1 DR Congo 

He provided both assists for the England captain.

Meanwhile, Wissa and Masuaku come off for England, with Fiston Mayele and Joris Kayembe coming on.

89 mins: England 2-1 DR Congo 

England recover from 0-1 down, to 2-1 up! Gordon and Kane connect once more.

Kane receives the ball at the edge of the box, on the right side. He looks up to find his target, and rockets a shot into the top-right of goal.

Mpasi dives valiantly to his left, but can’t keep it out. England fans celebrate vehemently as they are minutes away from sealing qualification into the round of 16.

86 mins: England 2-1 DR Congo 

England continue to attack the Congolese end.

Despite Congo having opportunities to counter, the England defence have been able to prevent any further surprises so far.

85 mins: England 1-1 DR Congo 

Congo are sitting back as they endure this relentless England attack.

But so far they have come up with all the answers, but can they hold on till the end?

82 mins: England 1-1 DR Congo