ATLANTA (AP) 鈥� Brian Cipenga gave Congo a surprising 1-0 lead over England at halftime at the on Wednesday.
Cipenga scored in seventh minute of the round of 32 match to set up the potential upset at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Congo forward collected a cross on the left of the box and sent his shot low past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford at the near post.
England improved after the first-half hydration break with Ezri Konsa inadvertently deflecting Declan Rice鈥檚 cross narrowly wide and Jude Bellingham forcing a save from Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi with a close range header.
England wanted a penalty late in the half when Harry Kane went down under a challenge from Mpasi, but referee Adham Makhadmeh waved away appeals.
___
James Robson is at
___
Copyright © 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
