England 2-1 DR Congo
Goals: 0-1 Cipenga 7’ (assist: Mbemba), 1-1 Kane 75’ (assist: Gordon), 2-1 Kane 86’ (assist: Gordon)
Thomas Tuchel's England entered this FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium as clear favourites, having topped Group L with wins over Croatia (4-2) and Panama (2-0) alongside a goalless draw against Ghana. DR Congo, meanwhile, qualified as one of the tournament's best third-placed sides after a dramatic 3-1 comeback victory over Uzbekistan.
Tuchel was forced into changes, with Bayer Leverkusen's Jarell Quansah ruled out through an injury he sustained against Panama, and Reece James also unavailable, meaning Djed Spence received the nod to start at right-back. England lined up in their trademark 4-2-3-1 formation, with Bayern Munich's Kane once again both captaining and leading the line for the Three Lions.