DR Congo’s historic 2026 World Cup run ended in the round of 32, where England came from behind to beat the Leopards 2-1 on 1 July in Atlanta. It was still the best World Cup finish in DR Congo’s history and their first appearance in the knockout stage.
DR Congo reached the last 32 as one of the best third-placed teams after finishing behind Portugal and Colombia in Group K. Their tournament is now over, but a 52-year wait for a World Cup return produced a run their fans will remember.
DR Congo’s full 2026 World Cup results
DR Congo played four matches at the tournament: one draw, two wins and the loss that ended their run in the round of 32.
| Stage | Fixture | Result | Venue & date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group K | Portugal vs DR Congo | 1-1 | Houston, 17 Jun |
| Group K | Colombia vs DR Congo | 1-0 | Guadalajara, 23 Jun |
| Group K | DR Congo vs Uzbekistan | 3-1 | Atlanta, 27 Jun |
| Round of 32 | England vs DR Congo | 2-1 | Atlanta, 1 Jul |
DR Congo finished third in Group K on four points, behind Portugal and Colombia. That was enough to send them through as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams and into their first-ever World Cup knockout match.
Round of 32: England end DR Congo’s historic run
England beat DR Congo 2-1 in the round of 32 on 1 July at Atlanta Stadium, coming from behind through two late Harry Kane goals. DR Congo led for most of the match before England’s comeback in the closing stages.
- 7th minute: Brian Cipenga put DR Congo ahead with his first-ever international goal, also the Leopards’ first World Cup knockout-stage goal.
- 75th minute: Harry Kane headed in a cross from substitute Anthony Gordon to level the score.
- 86th minute: Kane struck again to complete England’s comeback and send them through to face Mexico in the round of 16.
The defeat ended DR Congo’s tournament, but the round of 32 is still the Leopards’ best-ever World Cup finish. It capped a return to the competition after a 52-year absence, DR Congo having last appeared in 1974 as Zaire.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far did DR Congo go at the 2026 World Cup?
DR Congo reached the round of 32 before losing 2-1 to England on 1 July. It was the Leopards’ best-ever World Cup finish and their first appearance in the knockout stage.
Who eliminated DR Congo from the 2026 World Cup?
England eliminated DR Congo, winning 2-1 in the round of 32 in Atlanta. Two late goals from Harry Kane overturned Brian Cipenga’s early opener for DR Congo.
What was DR Congo’s group-stage record?
DR Congo drew with Portugal, lost to Colombia and beat Uzbekistan in Group K. That third-place finish was good enough to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
Why was DR Congo’s 2026 World Cup run historic?
It was DR Congo’s first World Cup appearance since 1974, when the country competed as Zaire. Reaching the round of 32 also marked their first-ever World Cup knockout stage appearance.
Who is in DR Congo’s 2026 World Cup squad?
DR Congo were captained by Chancel Mbemba and coached by Sébastien Desabre. The squad included Yoane Wissa, Cédric Bakambu and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, alongside round-of-32 goalscorer Brian Cipenga.
Sources
- FIFA.com — England 2-1 Congo DR: Match report and highlights
- Sky Sports — England 2-1 DR Congo: Harry Kane scores twice as Three Lions come from behind
- Al Jazeera — England vs DR Congo 2-1: FIFA World Cup 2026, as it happened
- ESPN — England 2-1 Congo DR (Jul 1, 2026): Match report
- England Football — Match Report: England 2-1 DR Congo, Wednesday 1 July 2026
- Wikipedia — 2026 FIFA World Cup Group K (standings reference)
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