England break 60-year World Cup curse against DR Congo to spark fresh hope | OneFootball

England rallied from behind against DR Congo at the World Cup 2026 to spark fresh hope they can end their drought to land a second title.

The Three Lions will play Mexico in Mexico City for a place in the quarter-finals late on Sunday after their 2-1 victory in Atlanta.

Harry Kane’s remarkable double ensured England advanced from a gripping last 32 clash, which secured a piece of history under Thomas Tuchel.

That’s because after Brian Cipenga’s early goal, England were facing an unwanted trend that has lasted 60 years.

Since that legendary World Cup final in 1966 against Germany, with England prevailing 4-2 at Wembley, the Three Lions have failed to win after conceding first in a knockout match in the tournament.

That’s until now, with Kane’s late strike marking the first occurrence in 60 years.

It clinched just the second-ever time England have landed a win after an opponent broke the deadlock in a knockout tie, according to Fox Sports, with five draws and 17 defeats in the 25 matches.

It takes England closer to a second world title, though Tuchel insists that is not a factor: "I did not see any of that.

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"It would be so easy to give in and to accept that narrative. I didn't see any of that, and that is a very, very good sign."

While an early 1am BST kick-off Monday morning for viewers back home has led Tuchel to plead with parents to allow kids to stay up and watch the last 16 tie.

"Write an excuse for school and let them watch," he said.

"There's so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch. There will be a big match in four days, and we need the support of everyone, especially the children."