England finally end unwanted 60-year record with World Cup win over DR Congo

England secured a 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup in Atlanta, and in doing so, they ended a 60-year record.

A brace from Harry Kane following the second-half hydration break was enough to overturn the one-goal deficit they faced at halftime after Brian Cipenga opened the scoring in the seventh minute for the African nation.

The Bayern Munich striker became the first England player to score a brace in a World Cup knockout match for the first time since Gary Lineker did against Cameroon in 1990.

Thomas Tuchel’s side struggled throughout the match, as seen with England’s player ratings, and there will be questions hanging over the squad regarding their defense ahead of their clash with Mexico in the next round.

Fans will not be encouraged by the performance, but they will just be pleased that England progressed, particularly in a game they were heavy favourites for before kick-off.

Yoane Wissa #20 of Congo DR controls the ball against Ezri Konsa #2 of England during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between England and Congo DR (Getty Images)

This comeback victory will go down in history for several reasons for England, as it is the first time the nation has ever managed to get a win when trailing at halftime in a World Cup match, ending a nine-game run without being able to secure a victory when being behind at the break.

While they ended a 60-year record in the process too, as it was the first time that England have managed to win a game after conceding first in the World Cup, ending a 13 match run where they have failed to secure a victory after being scored upon first in a match in this competition.

It was in the 1966 World Cup final against West Germany that the Three Lions last won a game when going behind to the first goal in the competition.

The victory has also preserved their fantastic record in this competition against African nations, as they have won every match against an opponent from this continent.

Previously, they had beaten Cameroon 3-2 in the 1990 quarter-final and then when they defeated Senegal 3-0 in the round of 16 at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

England will now travel to Mexico to face El Tri at the Azteca Stadium, a venue they have lost at on only two occasions in their last 88 fixtures.