Match Information

Sport: Football

Match: England vs DR Congo

Tournament: 2026 FIFA World Cup – Round of 32

Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Kick-off: 12:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM BST / 5:00 PM WAT

Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

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The knockout stage has no room for second chances. England know the expectations. DR Congo know the opportunity. Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions have quietly built momentum through an unbeaten group campaign, finishing top of Group L and looking every bit like genuine World Cup contenders.

Standing in their way are the Leopards, one of the tournament's surprise packages. Written off by many before the competition began, DR Congo have earned their place in the last 32 through discipline, resilience and fearless performances against stronger opposition. This is the first meeting between the nations. One arrives expected to win. The other arrives believing it has nothing to lose.

For England, the mission is clear. Anything short of a place in the latter stages would be viewed as a disappointment for one of the tournament favourites. Winning Group L has earned the Three Lions what appears, on paper, to be a favourable draw, but knockout football has a habit of punishing complacency. Tuchel's side will want to settle the contest early and avoid the kind of tense finish that can quickly turn into World Cup drama.

DR Congo have already exceeded expectations simply by reaching this stage. The Leopards advanced as one of the best third-placed teams after producing disciplined performances throughout the group stage, proving they can compete against elite opposition. Eliminating England would rank among the greatest victories in the nation's football history. They have everything to gain. England have everything to protect.

Form, Trends, Key Facts, Stats & Team News

England have looked increasingly comfortable as the tournament has progressed. Seven points from three matches, six goals scored and only two conceded reflect a side that has found the right balance between attacking ambition and defensive control. While not spectacular in every outing, the Three Lions have rarely appeared under genuine pressure.

Much of that comes from the strength of their midfield. Jude Bellingham continues to dictate games with remarkable maturity, combining creativity, work rate and a constant eye for goal. Harry Kane remains England's focal point in attack, while Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford provide pace and direct running from wide areas. The expected return of Declan Rice should make England even more difficult to break down. His presence allows the attacking players greater freedom while offering valuable protection in front of the defence. The only notable concern comes at right-back. Reece James remains unavailable through injury, while Jarell Quansah is doubtful, meaning Djed Spence could once again be asked to fill an important role. Even so, England's squad depth remains among the strongest in the competition.

DR Congo have earned enormous respect through organisation rather than star power. Sébastien Desabre has built a disciplined team that stays compact without abandoning attacking ambition altogether. Captain Chancel Mbemba marshals the defence with authority, while Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu offer genuine pace and finishing ability whenever counter-attacking opportunities arise. That approach served them well during the group stage. Against England, however, they are likely to spend long periods without possession.

The tactical battle is easy to imagine. England will dominate the ball, patiently probing for openings and attempting to stretch the Congolese defensive block. DR Congo will defend in numbers before trying to release Wissa or Bakambu into space whenever England commit bodies forward. The longer the score remains level, the greater the pressure on England. An early goal, however, could completely change the rhythm of the match.

Key Facts

• 🏴 England topped Group L with seven points.

• 🛡️ The Three Lions conceded only two goals in the group stage.

• 🇨🇩 DR Congo qualified as one of the best third-placed teams.

• ⭐ Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have both impressed in the tournament.

• ⚡ Yoane Wissa remains DR Congo's biggest attacking threat.

• 🔄 Declan Rice is expected to return to England's starting lineup.

• 🚑 Reece James is ruled out through injury.

• 🤝 This will be the first-ever meeting between England and DR Congo.

Pro Tip Before You Start

England have looked composed throughout the tournament, controlling matches through possession and limiting opponents to very few chances. DR Congo possess enough pace to threaten on the counter, but sustaining that threat over ninety minutes against one of the deepest squads in the competition will be a huge challenge.

👉 Expert Tip: England to Win to Nil

Alternative Markets

• England -1.5 Asian Handicap

• England to Win

• Harry Kane Anytime Goalscorer

• Under 3.5 Goals

• England to Score in Both Halves

DR Congo have already shown they belong on the World Cup stage, but knockout football often comes down to moments of superior quality. England have more match-winners, greater depth and the experience to control this occasion from start to finish. For the Leopards, reaching this stage has been a remarkable achievement. For England, the real journey is only just beginning.

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