England Defeats Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1, Advances to Face Mexico

by JEONG SE HEE Posted : July 2, 2026, 07:12Updated : July 2, 2026, 07:12
Harry Kane
Harry Kane [Photo=AFP·Yonhap]
England secured a comeback victory against the Democratic Republic of Congo, winning 2-1 in the North America World Cup round of 32 held at Atlanta Stadium in Georgia, USA.
According to Yonhap News on July 2, England initially fell behind after Brian Sipenga of the Democratic Republic of Congo scored with a powerful right-footed shot just seven minutes into the match.
In the 30th minute of the first half, England's Jude Bellingham attempted to equalize with a header from a sharp cross on the right side, but his effort was thwarted by Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
Struggling to find the net, England finally leveled the score in the 75th minute when Anthony Gordon delivered a perfectly timed ball from the left side of the penalty area, allowing Kane to score with a header.
Kane struck again in the 81st minute, putting England ahead and sealing the comeback victory.
Having not won the World Cup trophy since hosting the tournament in 1966, England topped Group L with seven points in the group stage, advancing to the knockout rounds and taking a step closer to redemption.
England will face co-host Mexico in the round of 16 on July 6 in Mexico City.



* This article has been translated by AI.