England beat DR Congo 2-1 to reach World Cup last 16

England’s group‑stage campaign in the 2026 World Cup took a dramatic turn when they edged past the Democratic Republic of Congo 2‑1 in a match that almost saw the hosts eliminated. The match, played at the newly constructed stadium in the host city, saw England’s defense hold firm after a late DRC goal threatened to level the score. A well‑timed counter‑attack led to England’s first goal, and a second, decisive strike in the closing minutes secured the win and kept the team in contention for the last‑16 slot.

The victory has positioned England to face the co‑hosts, Mexico, in the knockout round. With the group standings now clear, the English side will look to build on the resilience shown in the DRC match, while Mexico will be eager to capitalize on the home‑crowd advantage. The match against Mexico is scheduled for the following week, with both teams preparing to navigate the challenges of a high‑stakes encounter.

As the tournament progresses, England’s triumph over DR Congo underscores the importance of defensive solidity and timely offense in the World Cup’s group stages. The upcoming clash with Mexico will test whether the team can maintain its form and secure a place in the quarter‑finals.