Who will England face in Round of 16 of FIFA World Cup 2026 after beating DR Congo?

England secures consecutive Round of 16 qualifications.

The England national football team staged a dramatic comeback against tournament returnees DR Congo at the Atlanta Stadium to confirm their Round of 16 spot. This marks the first time in 60 years that England has come back after conceding first, with the last instance being the 1966 FIFA World Cup, which the nation ultimately won against West Germany.

England aimed to start the game in total control. However, DR Congo shocked the heavyweights after winger Brian Cipenga scored in the 7th minute to secure a shocking lead. Despite well-crafted attacking combinations, England were extremely unfortunate, with DR Congo prevailing.

With the nation on the brink of elimination, England captain and all-time top scorer Harry Kane scored in the 75th minute after brilliantly slotting in Anthony Gordon’s lofted pass. As the game was slowly moving towards extra time, Harry Kane struck again to complete the comeback and ultimately win 2-1.

Securing the win, the Thomas Tuchel-led side has secured their safe passage, with England set for their 15th Round of 16 appearance. The team now targets replicating their historic 1966 FIFA World Cup run, when the nation won its first and only World Cup title.

Who will England face in Round of 16 of FIFA World Cup 2026 after beating DR Congo?

Defeating DR Congo has confirmed England’s spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16, with the team now set to play tournament co-hosts Mexico at a highly anticipated heavyweight clash on July 6 at the iconic Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico.

Mexico secured their Round of 16 spot after comfortably winning 2-0 against Ecuador, guided by goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez. This will also be a historic fixture for Mexico, with the nation breaking their knockout curse, as the side managed to win a World Cup knockout encounter for the first time after 40 years.

England and Mexico are set for their 10th competitive meeting, while both nations will face off at the World Cup for only the second time after playing each other in the 1966 edition. Both nations played during the group stage fixture, with England winning 2-0 on route to securing the title.

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