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16.3 Million Watch England's Comeback Win Over DR Congo
World Cup 2026

16.3 Million Watch England's Comeback Win Over DR Congo

1 hour ago·1 min

A peak of 16.3 million viewers tuned in to watch England's dramatic comeback victory over DR Congo in their FIFA World Cup group stage clash on Wednesday, making it the most-watched moment on the BBC this year.

The match, which kicked off at 17:00 BST, drew an average audience of 14 million on BBC TV. A further 10.4 million streams were recorded across BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website, and app.

Kane the hero

Harry Kane rescued England with two goals in the final 15 minutes after DR Congo had taken the lead in the 7th minute, dragging the Three Lions back from the edge of an early tournament exit.

The live coverage page was viewed more than 20 million times globally — 14 million of those from the UK — making it the biggest day on the BBC Sport website and app since the last World Cup.

Enormous numbers across the board

England's earlier group games also drew massive audiences. The opening fixture against Croatia peaked at 15.4 million viewers on ITV, as did the draw with Ghana on the BBC. The win over Panama peaked at 13.76 million, also on ITV.

The Ghana match additionally generated 8.3 million requests on the BBC Sport app and BBC iPlayer combined.

BBC Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski reflected on the figures:

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