DR Congo's World Cup Hopes Dashed by England's 2-1 Comeback
Morocco now remain Africa’s only representatives left in the tournament following the exits of South Africa, Ivory Coast and DR Congo.
Early shock
England recovered from an early shock on Wednesday to defeat DR Congo 2-1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with captain Harry Kane scoring twice and sending his side into the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
The victory sets up an encounter with Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on 5 July, while DR Congo’s impressive World Cup campaign came to an end despite a spirited display that pushed one of the tournament favourites to the limit.
DR Congo stunned England after just seven minutes. Captain Chancel Mbemba started a flowing move before Brian Kipenge Cipenga finished clinically beyond Jordan Pickford for his first international goal.
The striker, who plays in Spain’s second division, calmly converted after a well-worked attacking move to give the Leopards an early lead.
The goal lifted the African side, who continued to threaten on the counter-attack. Yoane Wissa had an opportunity to double the advantage but England’s defence recovered in time to frustrate the Brentford forward.
England struggled to find their rhythm during the opening stages and midfielder Jude Bellingham was shown a yellow card in the 15th minute after bringing down a DR Congo player as the Africans continued to press aggressively.
Although England enjoyed more possession, clear-cut chances were limited. Their best opening of the first half came in the 29th minute when Bellingham forced an outstanding save from goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, whose performance kept DR Congo in front.
England increased the pressure as the half progressed. Harry Kane was denied by excellent defending from Axel Tuanzebe before Marcus Rashford saw another promising attack stopped by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who repeatedly frustrated the English forwards.
DR Congo remained dangerous whenever they broke forward. Wissa came closest to extending the lead in the 42nd minute when his effort struck the post after another dangerous attack created from the right flank.
England appealed twice for penalties before half-time. Rashford was brought down following a challenge from Noah Sadiki that resulted in a free-kick but no penalty, while Kane also went to ground after contact with Tuanzebe.
Referee Adham Makhadmeh waved play on both occasions, with the Video Assistant Referee also declining to intervene.
Mpasi continued his outstanding performance deep into first-half stoppage time, producing successive saves to deny both Bellingham and Kane and preserve DR Congo’s lead at the interval.
Greater urgency
England returned after the break with greater urgency but still struggled to break down DR Congo’s disciplined defence. Rashford fired over from distance before Bellingham again tested Mpasi, whose one-handed save was among the best of the evening.
Thomas Tuchel responded by introducing Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon in place of Rashford and Noni Madueke shortly after the hour mark in an attempt to increase England’s attacking threat.
DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre also refreshed his side, introducing Meshack Elia, whose decisive goal against Uzbekistan had helped secure the Leopards’ place in the knockout stage.
England’s persistence finally paid off in the 74th minute. Declan Rice and Gordon combined to create space for Kane, who finished confidently to level the score and shift the momentum firmly in England’s favour.
England then continued to dominate possession and pinned DR Congo deep inside their own half as Saka and Elliot Anderson stretched the African defence.
DR Congo still carried a threat on the break. Elia had a chance to restore the lead, but Rice tracked back well to make a crucial defensive intervention.
England completed the turnaround five minutes from time. Sustained pressure from Bellingham and Gordon created another opening for Kane, who struck his second goal of the match to put England ahead for the first time.
Speaking after the match, Kane said England’s determination had been key to their comeback.
“The pressure was higher but we managed to stick together and never give up. I just want to enjoy with the fans and all the players because most of the time these big games you can’t enjoy, but we want to enjoy this win.”
The result sends England into the Round of 16, where they will face Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on 5 July.
For DR Congo, elimination ends a memorable campaign in which they reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in decades and demonstrated the progress made under Desabre since his appointment in 2022.
Morocco now remain Africa’s only representatives left in the tournament following the exits of South Africa, Ivory Coast and DR Congo.