Harry Kane scored twice in the closing stages as England came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 in Atlanta, ending the Leopards' remarkable FIFA World Cup campaign and sending the Three Lions into the Round of 16.
England, the eighth team to book a place in the last 16, will now face co-hosts Mexico in a blockbuster knockout tie after escaping what looked set to become one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
For 69 minutes, DR Congo looked on course for a famous victory.
The African side, making its first appearance in the World Cup knockout stage, stunned England after just seven minutes when Brian Cipenga capitalised on a defensive lapse to give the Leopards a shock lead. Buoyed by the early goal, DR Congo defended resolutely and repeatedly threatened on the counter-attack, frustrating one of the tournament favourites.
England laboured through much of the first half, producing one of their poorest performances of the competition. Jude Bellingham's 30th-minute header was their first attempt on goal, marking England's longest wait for a shot in a FIFA World Cup match since detailed records began in 1966.
The numbers reflected England's sluggish display. All eight of their first-half shots and all 20 touches inside the DR Congo penalty area came after the mandatory hydration break, while more than half of Congo's attacking moves targeted England's exposed right flank. Cipenga was central to that threat, completing five of DR Congo's nine successful dribbles before the break.
The Leopards had chances to extend their lead before half-time. Yoane Wissa struck the post with Jordan Pickford beaten, while goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi produced a string of superb saves to keep England at bay.
Recognising the need for change, England manager Thomas Tuchel introduced Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon from the bench, and the substitutions transformed the game.
England finally found their breakthrough in the 75th minute when Gordon delivered a pinpoint cross that Kane powered home with a trademark header to make it 1-1.
The equaliser swung the momentum firmly in England's favour, and four minutes from time Kane struck again. The captain collected the ball on the edge of the box, turned sharply and unleashed a fierce right-footed strike beyond Mpasi to complete a dramatic comeback.
The victory also marked a notable tournament milestone. Gordon's assist took the total goal involvements by players who featured in the Premier League during the 2025-26 season to 100 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup—54 goals and 46 assists, 52 more than players from any other domestic league.
Kane and Marcus Rashford also reached a personal landmark, making their 15th FIFA World Cup appearances, the most by any England outfield players.
Despite the defeat, DR Congo leave North America with their heads held high after one of the greatest campaigns in the country's football history. The Leopards qualified for their first World Cup in 52 years through the Intercontinental Play-offs, reached the knockout stage for the first time, and secured their maiden World Cup victory before narrowly falling to one of the tournament favourites.
Their exit leaves six African nations still in the competition. Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Cabo Verde, Senegal and Ghana remain in contention, while South Africa, Tunisia, Côte d'Ivoire and DR Congo have been eliminated after helping Africa enjoy one of its strongest World Cup campaigns.
England, meanwhile, remain in the hunt for a first World Cup title since 1966 and will now turn their attention to a high-stakes Round of 16 clash against an in-form Mexico, with Kane once again proving decisive when his team needed him most.
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