16.3 million watch England's World Cup win over DR Congo

A peak audience of 16.3 million people tuned in to watch England's dramatic 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the World Cup on Wednesday. The 17:00 BST kick-off attracted an average of 14 million viewers on BBC TV, making it the most-watched moment on the BBC so far this year. An additional 10.4 million streams were recorded on BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and app.

Match highlights and audience figures

Harry Kane scored twice in the final 15 minutes to bring England back from the brink of an early exit after DR Congo took the lead in the seventh minute. The live coverage page was viewed more than 20 million times globally, including 14 million in the UK, marking the biggest day on the BBC Sport website and app since the last World Cup.

England's group stage matches had varying kick-off times and audiences. The opener against Croatia (15.4 million peak) and the win over Panama (13.76 million peak) were shown on ITV, while the draw with Ghana attracted a peak audience of 15.4 million on the BBC, plus 8.3 million requests on the BBC Sport app and BBC iPlayer.

BBC's role in the tournament

"These are extraordinary audience figures that show the BBC is the place the nation comes together for the biggest sporting moments," said BBC Director of Sport, Alex Kay-Jelski. "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."

The World Cup accounted for more than a third (34%) of all hours streamed on BBC iPlayer during the final week of the group stage. Football Daily's visualised podcast has also been a major hit, generating more than two million streams during the group stages. Across social media, BBC Sport has generated 889 million video views during the tournament so far.

Upcoming match against Mexico

England will face Mexico in the last 16 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Monday. The match is scheduled for 01:00 BST and will be broadcast live on BBC One, radio and online. This will be England's first overnight game of the tournament for UK viewers, presenting a dilemma for parents of young fans on a school night.

England head coach Thomas Tuchel was asked about the issue after the win over DR Congo. "Write an excuse for school and let them watch," he responded. "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."