DR Congo stunned England with an early breakthrough as Brian Cipenga capitalised on a well-delivered pass from Chancel Mbemba in the 7th minute, finishing calmly inside the box to hand the African side a shock 1–0 lead.
DR Congo continued to pose a threat in transition, while England gradually grew into the contest. In the 29th minute, Declan Rice floated a dangerous cross into the area, where Jude Bellingham rose to meet it with a powerful header. However, DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi produced a brilliant reflex save to preserve his side’s advantage.
England pressed further as the half wore on, but DR Congo nearly doubled their lead in the 42nd minute when Yoane Wissa latched onto a cut-back inside the box, only to see his effort come off the post with the goalkeeper beaten—much to England’s relief.
Deep into first-half stoppage time, Mpasi again emerged as DR Congo’s saviour, denying another close-range England effort during a sustained spell of pressure.
At the break, DR Congo held a narrow but deserved 1–0 lead. England dominated possession with 59%, while DR Congo registered 41%, with the match finely balanced heading into the second half despite the early setback for the Europeans.
