England beat USA in extra time to win first Cerebral Palsy World Cup

England won the men's Cerebral Palsy World Cup for the first time, recovering from a late deficit to beat hosts the United States 2-1 after extra time. The IFCPF's official match report confirmed that Sam Dewhirst equalised in stoppage time before David Porcher scored the winner in Fayetteville, Georgia.

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The final remained goalless at half-time, with England goalkeeper Giles Moore and his American counterpart Sean Boyle keeping out chances. The hosts lost captain Josh Brunais to injury, bringing on Frankie Lowery. After the interval, Boyle denied Ethan Day, while the Americans also threatened before John Sullivan finally put them ahead in the 56th minute following a corner.

Dewhirst rescued England in the first minute of added time, his effort going in off the post. Four minutes into extra time, Boyle could only parry another Dewhirst attempt and Porcher finished from close range. England protected that lead to complete the turnaround. Porcher was subsequently named the tournament's Most Valuable Player, while the Netherlands' Lorenzo Calkhoven earned the Golden Boot with eight goals.

The victory completed a campaign that began with three group-stage wins without conceding. England Football's tournament reports recorded victories over Japan, Indonesia and the Republic of Ireland before a 2-1 extra-time quarter-final win against the Netherlands. England then defeated Brazil 2-0 in the semi-final, with Matt Crossen and James Blackwell scoring to secure their place in the decider.

Head coach Jack Rutter, speaking to England Football, said the team had arrived hoping to win a medal and expressed pride in the players and staff after securing the title. Appointed in January, Rutter previously represented England between 2013 and 2018. He described the success as the culmination of a pursuit of medals stretching back to his own playing days, with experienced players now working alongside younger teammates.

Rutter acknowledged that the United States had started the final more strongly, but said England grew into the contest as they settled. He praised Moore's contribution in goal and the team's response after falling behind near the end of normal time. For the former England player, Dewhirst's equaliser and Porcher's decisive finish capped a tournament that delivered more than the medal the squad had initially hoped to bring home.