England's tense World Cup knockout win scores huge audience for BBC in 2026 ratings record

England’s nail-biting victory over DR Congo in the World Cup round of 32 drew the BBC’s biggest live audience of 2026 – with an audience of 16.3 million tuning in.

Three Lions fans were made to suffer as the African side took an early lead and kept Thomas Tuchel’s side at bay for more than an hour, but captain Harry Kane scored two late goals to fire them into the round of 16.

Kane’s heroics were seen across the nation as the match averaged 14 million viewers and was the most watched moment on the BBC this year.

The broadcaster saw a surge of digital interest as well, with 10.4 streams across BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website, and the BBC Sport app, while the live coverage page on the website and app drew more than 20 million views globally, 14 of which were from the UK.

BBC Director of Sport, Alex Kay-Jelski said: “These are extraordinary audience figures that show the BBC is the place the nation comes together for the biggest sporting moments. England’s dramatic victory captured millions across TV, iPlayer, BBC Sport digital platforms and social media, with audiences consuming the tournament in record numbers.

“Whether it’s premium UHD coverage, new immersive experiences or world-class analysis, we’re proud to be delivering the moments that matter to audiences wherever and however they choose to follow the tournament, as England’s World Cup journey continues”.

England’s victory has earned them a spot in the round of 16, where they’ll play Mexico at 1am on Monday 6 July live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

It is set to be the toughest test yet for Thomas Tuchel’s side. The co-hosts have won all four of their games at World Cup 2026 and are playing at the Azteca in Mexico City, where they have lost just two of their 89 matches.

The iconic stadium is 2,240m above sea level and, as Tuchel has already admitted, the altitude is going to be a huge advantage for the home side.

With Kane leading the line, however, you cannot write this England team off.

World Cup 2026 games are live on either BBC or ITV throughout the tournament, which ends with the final on Sunday 19 July.

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