Kane scores late winner as England overcome DR Congo to reach last 16
England have progressed to the last 16 of the World Cup after a challenging match against DR Congo in their first knockout round fixture. The Three Lions were saved by their captain Harry Kane, who netted two goals in the final 15 minutes to secure a 2-1 victory after Thomas Tuchel's side had initially taken the lead. This win brings England closer to reaching their third major tournament final of the decade.
Who will England play in the last 16?
England's next opponent will be Mexico, with the match scheduled for 01:00 BST on Monday, 6 July. The game will be broadcast live on BBC TV, radio, and online platforms.
Monday, 6 July - 01:00 BST (live on BBC One and , radio and online)
England faces a significant challenge as they travel to Mexico to play the tournament co-hosts at the Azteca Stadium. Mexico boasts a strong competitive record at this iconic venue, with 70 wins, 17 draws, and only two defeats from 89 games. They remain unbeaten in their last 10 World Cup matches played there.
Mexico has demonstrated excellent form in this World Cup, winning all four of their matches, scoring eight goals, and conceding none. Ranked ninth globally, they have not lost a competitive match since a 2-0 defeat by Honduras in the first leg of the Concacaf Nations League quarter-final in November 2024, maintaining a 13-match unbeaten streak.
In their last-32 match against Ecuador, Mexico displayed high energy and intensity, securing a two-goal lead within the first 30 minutes against a team that had not conceded more than one goal in any match for over two years.
The Azteca Stadium is situated more than 7,000 feet above sea level, an altitude that may cause shortness of breath, increased heart rate, and fatigue for players unaccustomed to such conditions.
Mexico does not feature many standout individual players but has shown a strong work ethic and self-belief within the group, scoring eight goals and conceding none.
What about potential quarter-final opponents?
Five-time World Cup winners Brazil are in England's section of the draw and could be potential quarter-final opponents. Brazil topped Group C, eliminating Scotland in the process, but showed vulnerability when drawing 1-1 with Morocco in their opening match.
They required an injury-time winner from Gabriel Martinelli to defeat Japan 2-1 in the last 32 after initially falling behind.
Norway, who finished second behind France in Group I, have impressed in their first World Cup appearance since 1998. With Manchester City's Erling Haaland leading their attack, they present a significant threat. Haaland scored the late winner as Norway defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 on Tuesday in Dallas, bringing his tally to five goals in three World Cup games and 60 goals in 53 appearances for his country overall.
If England reach the quarter-finals, the match would take place in Miami.
And the semi-final?
'Our best game of the tournament' - Kane
Looking further ahead, if England advance to the semi-final stage, they could face the defending champions. Argentina appear to be strong contenders to reach this stage, having won all three of their group matches. Lionel Messi has continued to perform impressively on the biggest stage, scoring five goals so far in the tournament at the age of 39.
Argentina survived a significant scare when taken to extra time by surprise package Cape Verde in the last 32 and will face Egypt in the next round.
Also in this section of the draw are Colombia, who topped their group ahead of Portugal by winning two of their three matches. They will face Switzerland in the last 16. Switzerland have grown into the tournament and secured their first knockout victory in 88 years during the round of 32.
Reaching the semi-final would mean a return for England to Atlanta, where they previously defeated DR Congo in their last-32 match.
Let us dream... what about the final?
Lionel Messi is now the top scorer in World Cup history, having surpassed the previous record set by former Germany forward Miroslav Klose by scoring in Argentina's win over Austria.
All 16 teams in the opposite half of the draw remain potential World Cup final opponents for England.
The strongest teams England could face only in the final include 2018 winners and 2022 runners-up France, 2010 champions Spain, and 2022 semi-finalists Morocco.
France and Morocco are set to meet in the quarter-finals if they overcome Paraguay and Canada respectively.
Spain will play Portugal in the last 16, with the winner facing either the USA or Belgium in the quarter-finals.
The final is scheduled to be held in New Jersey, with an expected attendance of 82,500 fans.
- England sneak through - but who had a nightmare start? Player ratings
- United, free and brilliant - can anyone stop France masterclass?
