DR Congo advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals after a stunning 1-0 victory over England in their round of 32 match on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Brian Cipenga scored the decisive goal in the seventh minute, capitalizing on England's defensive vulnerability.
England manager Thomas Tuchel faced a growing defensive crisis after right-backs Reece James and Jarell Quansah suffered injuries before the knockout match.
Djed Spence started at right-back but was beaten early when Cipenga found space to slot a low finish under goalkeeper Jordan Pickford at the near post.
Former England international Gary Neville commented on the thin squad selection following the tournament injuries.
“Tuchel has got Spence, who he rested the other day,” said Neville. “I hope that's because he needs to play the rest of the games.
But we are very thin on the ground.”
Television commentators Joe Hart and Alan Shearer expressed disappointment with England's sluggish first-half performance.
“DR Congo have no fear of this England team,” said Hart, former England goalkeeper.
“They've been too slow, they've been punished, not good enough,” said Shearer, former England captain.
“They've had one good half in four games, it's too bitty in other games.”
Before the knockout stages, Pickford discussed the mounting pressure on the squad.
“It ramps up now, doesn't it?” said Pickford.
“It's a proper phase of football. One game at a time.
There are lads who have won Champions Leagues, lads who have been in youth tournaments with England.
Everyone knows the pressure of it and I think that is where you will see us thrive.”
Pickford also explained the team's effort to maintain a normal environment despite tactical shifts under the new coaching staff.
“It's not too different,” said Pickford. “We've got our goal.
You work on the training pitch, you keep that enjoyment and keep that fun environment.
But once you're training you're working, you take the messages in and for me that's the glue really.”
He defended the aggressive tactical system that pushes full-backs higher up the pitch.
“I wouldn't say it's a risk,” said Pickford. “It's tactical.
We're playing front-foot football. Hopefully everyone at home is enjoying it.”
The goalkeeper emphasized that England practiced penalties but aimed to secure results during regular time.
“I've been taking a few. You've got to be prepared,” said Pickford.
“We have so many good penalty takers so that's put me down the pecking order.
It's my job to make the saves and in tournaments, time and time before, I've always come up with a save in a shootout for England and I'll hopefully continue that.”
Pundits Emmanuel Petit and Troy Deeney had previously questioned Pickford's ability to lead the nation to a tournament victory.
“If you want to go until the end, you need to have one of the strongest goalkeepers in the competition.
I'm not really confident with him,” said Petit.
“We're trying to win a World Cup. That's why we're here.
In my opinion, and respectfully Jordan, because you know I like you. We can't win it with that guy in goal.
He doesn't give you any confidence,” said Deeney.
DR Congo forward Yoane Wissa entered the match in strong form after scoring three goals during the group stage.
“It's been a tough injury.
You know when you want to come back earlier, catch the train, it's not a good thing to do,” said Wissa.
“I didn't show my best face at Newcastle, but I knew that my time would come, and this time is now.”
Shearer evaluated Wissa's attacking threats before the match, warning England about defensive vulnerabilities.
“There's no doubt about it. He's a really good player,” said Shearer.
“Give him chances and he'll punish you.”
Tuchel defended his selection choices when asked about leaving Reece James exposed to recurring fitness problems.
“No one could see that coming,” said Tuchel.
Jamie Redknapp criticized Tuchel's decision to leave out versatile players like Trent Alexander-Arnold from the final tournament roster.
“I think everyone else saw it coming [James' injury]. It felt like a bold decision to not call up Trent Alexander-Arnold.
It feels like a big mistake,” said Redknapp.
Tuchel previously outlined his squad criteria, explaining that technical talent alone did not dictate his final choices.
“From day one we were clear we were trying to build the best possible team, which is not necessarily the 26 most talented players,” said Tuchel.
“Teams win championships, and what we're trying to achieve can only be achieved as a team.”
The German manager insisted that players needed total alignment with the shared objective.
“We have players ready and committed to the idea of team spirit and being unselfish,” said Tuchel.
“We have specialists for different scenarios, when we're leading, when we're chasing a result.”
Tuchel concluded by acknowledging that omitting elite players was unavoidable.
“I'm very confident in the group we chose,” said Tuchel. “Very difficult decisions.
Painful conversations. Difficult to explain to the players.
But what we try to achieve we achieve as a team.”
DR Congo will next face co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in the quarterfinals.
