The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage kicked off with a breathtaking clash at Atlanta Stadium that delivered everything fans could have asked for: underdog grit, last-minute drama, and a heart-stopping finish that left supporters on the edge of their seats. Pre-tournament favorites and former world champions England entered their round of 16 tie against DR Congo as heavy favorites on paper, having topped their group to secure their knockout spot. The Congolese side, meanwhile, had scraped into the knockout phase as one of the best third-placed teams, with most pundits writing them off before the opening whistle.
But football’s greatest magic often lies in upset hopes, and DR Congo made it clear within the opening seven minutes that they had not come to Atlanta just to make up the numbers. Starting at a blistering pace, the African side caught England napping on the break: Chancel Mbemba teed up a clinical finish from Brian Cipenga, who slotted past England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to put DR Congo 1-0 up early. The stunned Three Lions side grew increasingly frustrated as the half wore on, with the Congolese defense blocking every attacking threat thrown their way.
England’s first real dangerous chance came in the 14th minute, but DR Congo’s backline held firm to clear the danger. In the 30th minute, Jude Bellingham, one of England’s standout stars of the tournament, fired a powerful effort that DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi pushed away for a corner. Five minutes later, Marcus Rashford thought he had bagged the equalizer, only for former England youth international Aaron Wan-Bissaka to clear the effort off the goal line, preserving DR Congo’s lead going into halftime.
DR Congo even had a golden chance to double their advantage just before the break, when Yoane Wissa found himself unmarked in front of goal from close range. But his effort rattled off the post and bounced wide, letting England off the hook. Just before halftime stoppage time, Harry Kane attempted to win a penalty after going down in the box, but the referee waved away the appeal, correctly judging no foul had been committed. Bellingham then had a close-range header that looked destined for the back of the net, only for Mpasi to pull off a miraculous save to keep his side ahead going into the break.
The second half opened with more of England’s relentless pressure, and more world-class stops from Mpasi. Rashford had a clear chance to level the score just after kickoff, but his shot drifted inches wide of the post. A minute later, Bellingham again had a golden opportunity, but Mpasi pulled off another stunning save to keep DR Congo ahead.
It was not until the 75th minute that England finally broke through DR Congo’s resilient defense. Captain Harry Kane nodded home a cross, with the ball deflecting off Mpasi and bouncing into the net to level the score at 1-1. With just 10 minutes left on the clock, Kane struck again to secure England’s place in the quarter-finals: the striker hit a venomous effort past Mpasi into the top corner of the net, putting England ahead 2-1 with just four minutes left of normal time.
The late double was enough to see England over the line, as they held on through stoppage time to avoid one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. Gareth Southgate’s side will now advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face tournament hosts Mexico for a spot in the final four.