FIFA 2026: England Thrash Congo In Comeback, Progress To Round of 16

 

England are through to the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup, with Harry Kane scoring a brace as the Three Lions thrashed Congo 2-1 in the Round of 32 in Atlanta, Georgia. 

The Congolese were making their maiden FIFA World Cup appearance, and making a maiden knockout appearance was an achievement for the African side. They forced England to the back foot before rallying in the later stages to eliminate the Congolese. 

England conceded the opening goal early in the first half when Mbenba's cross set Cipenga off to score in the 7th minute. The Three Lions dug deeper to find the equalizer, then the winner in the second half. 

Anthony Gordon's cross from inside the penalty area landed rightly for Harry Kane's header, and England equalised. England broke into Congo's box again in the 86th minute as Gordon slipped a pass to Kane on the edge of the 18-yard box. The England striker dazzled past three defenders and steered a shot into the top of the net. 

Harry Kane now has five goals so far in this tournament as the race to the Golden Boot heats up. England will proceed to the Round of 16 to face Mexico. 

Overview 

An intriguing match for the most part in the first half. England played it wide in the defense, opening up for an early strike from Congo. Mpasi was the standout for Congo, making incredible saves of attempts that should have set the side back. Declan Rice was influential to the Three Lions' attacking prowess. 

For the most part of the first half, Congo's defense maintained firm resolve. Wan-Bissaka's defensive brilliance played a crucial role in the team keeping the ball out of danger. England seized the moment before Congo reinforced its defense, resisting the buildup that led to a stunning assist from Gordon to Harry Kane. 

Chances and Defense 

Wissa had the closest chance to double the lead for Congo. Wan-Bissaka's cross arrived rightly for him inside the six-yard box, but he hit the ball out of play. England's best moment was the goal-line blockage of Marcus Rashford's strike by Wan-Bissaka. Harry Kane had a similar moment blocked by Mpasi on the brink of halftime. Jude Bellingham also missed scoring a glancing header in the closing minutes of the first half, forcing Mpasi to make an incredible save. 

Bellingham kicked off the second half with a near miss saved by Mpasi. Congo later played the defense loose, and Harry Kane capitalised on the moments of Gordon's assists to score two goals that swung the game the other way.