The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) exited the 2026 FIFA World Cup with honor after a 2-1 defeat to England on Wednesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in the Round of 32.
The Leopards had made the perfect start, taking the lead in the 7th minute through Brian Cipenga. Defensively solid, the Congolese side held off England's attacks for much of the match, thanks in large part to an outstanding Lionel Mpasi, who produced several crucial saves.
As the match progressed, England gradually took control and eventually found the breakthrough in the second half. Harry Kane equalized in the 75th minute with a header from an Anthony Gordon cross before completing his brace in the 86th minute with a powerful strike into the top corner, sending the Three Lions through to the next round.
Despite a late push in the closing minutes, the Leopards were unable to find an equalizer, bringing their remarkable World Cup journey to an end just short of the Round of 16.
This elimination does nothing to diminish the historic achievement of the Congolese national team. In only its second World Cup appearance, following its debut in 1974, DR Congo reached the knockout stage for the first time in its history, recording the country's best-ever World Cup campaign.
DR Congo joins South Africa, defeated 1-0 by Canada, and Ivory Coast, eliminated by Norway, among the African teams knocked out in the Round of 32.
At this stage, Morocco is the only African nation already qualified for the Round of 16, while several other representatives of the continent are still continuing their journey at the 2026 World Cup.
