World Cup 2026: England 2-1 DR Congo Player Ratings

DR Congo’s remarkable World Cup adventure came to an emotional conclusion in Atlanta as England fought back to secure a 2-1 victory in the Round of 32. The Leopards stunned the Three Lions with an early goal from Brian Cipenga and defended heroically for much of the contest, but Harry Kane’s late double ultimately broke Congolese hearts and sent England into the last 16.

Match Report

Sébastien Desabre’s men made the perfect start. After only seven minutes, Brian Cipenga capitalised on defensive confusion inside the England penalty area and fired a low effort beyond Jordan Pickford to score DR Congo’s first-ever World Cup knockout goal. The strike silenced the crowd and raised hopes of a historic upset.

England responded with sustained pressure, but Lionel Mpasi produced several crucial saves to frustrate Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane. Yoane Wissa nearly doubled the lead before halftime, striking the post after a swift counterattack that exposed England’s high defensive line.

The momentum shifted in the final quarter of the match. Substitute Anthony Gordon changed the game, providing two assists for Kane. The England captain first headed home in the 75th minute before unleashing a superb winner from outside the area eleven minutes later to complete the comeback.

Despite the defeat, DR Congo left the tournament with immense pride after reaching the knockout rounds in their first appearance under the current format and becoming a source of unity for supporters across the nation.

DR Congo Player Ratings

Goalkeeper

Lionel Mpasi-Nzau – 7.1

Made several excellent saves and kept DR Congo ahead for much of the contest. Could do little about either Kane strike.

Defence

Arthur Masuaku – 6.3

Worked tirelessly down the left flank before being replaced late in the match.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 7.7

DR Congo’s standout defender. Outstanding in one-on-one situations and composed throughout the evening.

Chancel Mbemba – 7.0

Led the backline with authority and experience despite England’s relentless pressure.

Axel Tuanzebe – 6.6

Battled bravely against Kane and England’s physical forwards.

Midfield

Samuel Moutoussamy – 7.0

Disciplined and energetic, helping shield the defence for long periods.

Ngal’ayel Mukau – 6.5

Worked hard in midfield but faded as England increased the tempo.

Noah Sadiki – 6.3

Booked in the first half and struggled to contain England’s attacking transitions.

Attack

Brian Cipenga – 7.0

Scored a historic opening goal and constantly threatened on the counterattack.

Yoane Wissa – 6.5

Worked tirelessly and came agonisingly close to making it 2-0 before halftime.

Nathanael Mbuku – 6.9

A lively display on the wing before being substituted in the second half.

Substitutes

Meschack Elia – 6.5

Added pace after replacing Mbuku but found chances limited.

Theo Bongonda – 6.7

Provided fresh attacking energy during the closing stages.

Edo Kayembe – 6.6

Worked hard in midfield after coming on.

Joris Kayembe – 6.7

Helped shore up the left side late in the game.

Fiston Mayele – 6.3

Introduced late but unable to influence the outcome.

Verdict

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Lionel Mpasi and Brian Cipenga emerged with enormous credit as DR Congo pushed one of football’s giants to the limit. Kane’s brilliance ultimately decided the contest, but the Leopards depart the World Cup having earned admiration across the globe and written a memorable chapter in Congolese football history.