Congo secured a 1-0 halftime lead against England in the World Cup round of 32 match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
Forward Brian Cipenga scored an early goal to put the heavy underdogs ahead in their first knockout game in national history.
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Cipenga found the net in the seventh minute after collecting a cross on the left side of the penalty box.
He drove a low shot past England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford at the near post.
England intensified its attack following a first-half hydration break, creating multiple scoring opportunities.
Ezri Konsa narrowly missed the target when he deflected a Declan Rice cross wide, while Jude Bellingham forced a save with a close-range header against Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
The English squad appealed for a penalty late in the first half when forward Harry Kane went down in the box under a challenge from Mpasi.
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However, referee Adham Makhadmeh dismissed the appeals and waved play to continue.
Mpasi maintained the clean sheet for Congo by delivering multiple critical saves, including stopping a shot from Kane with his midsection just before the halftime whistle.
The 31-year-old goalkeeper is making his 33rd international appearance for his heritage country after being born to Congolese parents in Meaux, France.
Mpasi previously trained within the Paris Saint-Germain youth system and spent his longest professional tenure with Rodez in Ligue 2.
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He currently plays club soccer for Le Havre in France's Ligue 1, having joined the team for the 2025-26 season.
