One of the top favourites to win the FIFA World Cup 2026, England, faces a spirited DR Congo side in the Round of 32 stage on Wednesday in Atlanta. Either Mexico or Ecuador awaits the winners of this tie in the last-16.
England vs DR Congo FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Details
Date: Wednesday, 1 July 2026
Kick-off: 12:00 (EST) / 21:30 (IST)
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
England vs DR Congo FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Preview
England’s 2-0 win over Panama helped them secure their place in ṭhe knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup as Group L winners, but they have failed to excite many in the group stage. After their emphatic start to the tournament with a 4-2 win over Croatia, Thomas Tuchel’s men have failed to replicate that performance in the next two games after suffering from a second-game syndrome for the fourth straight major competition, with a goalless draw against Ghana managed by Carles Quiroz and they were also pretty mediocre in the first half against the CONCACAF outfit in the final group game. However, they managed to change the gears in the second half with two stars most expected to shine for England doing their task, with Harry Kane becoming the record goalscorer for England with 11 goals, with three in this competition, after nodding in Jude Bellingham’s cross, who himself added his second of the tournament, opening the scoring from Bukayo Saka’s corner. They also had to survive some troubling counter-attacks to avoid any drama against an already eliminated Panama, which will give concern for the German boss as they face another team of a similar profile to the opposition they faced recently, which will fancy a low block in stifling opposition in DR Congo in the Round of 32. The Three Lions also have major issues at the right-back with striking all injuries concern are in that particular position, with Tino Livramento withdrawing just before the tournament, Reece James picking up a hamstring injury before the final group game, and Jarell Quansah is now a doubt after picking up an ankle injury during the clash. Still, the side looks equipped to get past this challenge and avoid Germany or the Netherlands after they suffered early elimination in the round. Since taking charge in January last year, Thomas Tuchel has not lost a competitive game as England boss, winning 10 and drawing once and it will be a surprise if the positive run ends here, which will be detrimental to their dream of winning the world title after 1966. Here’s England FIFA World Cup all time stats and records
Creating a magnificent tale, DR Congo sealed a place in the knockouts for the first time in just their second appearance at the World Cup stage, having appeared as Zaire in 1974 without winning a single game and failing to score. It is a 360-degree difference this time out as the Leopards not only scored their first World Cup goal in their first game in the tournament in 52 years, but held one of the favourites, Portugal, in a stunning 1-1 draw. Despite going down early, Sebastien Desabre's side managed to stay composed defensively, which is their biggest asset that helped them get to this stage, with their equaliser arriving just before half-time as Yoane Wissa scored the historic goal to earn the first point at this stage. However, the side then suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Colombia and were heading towards elimination after surprisingly trailing Uzbekistan in the final group game. Yet, it was their talisman, Wissa, again, who stepped up to equalise from the penalty spot in the 68th minute to spark a stunning comeback. After substitute Fiston Mayele put his side ahead 10 minutes later, the Newcastle forward scored again in stoppage time to seal a historic 3-1 victory and ignite celebrations in Atlanta that were heard in Kinshasa. DR Congo finished just a point behind second-place Portugal magnificently to escape the group stage as one of the best third-place finishers in the tournament. They have reached a significant milestone in history, marking a historical World Cup campaign, no matter what happens next, but they will not take their guard down just yet as they face England in an enormous Round of 32 battle. Desabre's side will know what is happening elsewhere in the competition that has already witnessed a lot of upsets, as they will try to have a moment for themselves here to add to their enormous achievement so far.
England vs DR Congo FIFA World Cup 2026 Form
England: WDW
DR Congo: DLW
England vs DR Congo FIFA World Cup 2026 Predicted Lineups
England (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane
DR Congo (5-3-2): Mpasi-Nzau; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Kapuadi, Masuaku; Sadiki, Moutoussamy, Kayembe; Bakambu, Wissa
England vs DR Congo FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Prediction
DR Congo will be a tough nut to crack as they proved against Portugal, who are one of the favourites for the World Cup this year, also showing immense mentality to come back from a goal down twice in the tournament and will give a hard time to England. Thomas Tuchel’s men have struggled to open up the low block, as evident in their goalless draw against another African nation, Ghana and not looking convincing in the 2-0 victory over Panama, so it will not be an easy fixture and might require extra time to decide the outcome. Noni Madueke has said England has taken penalties ‘extremely seriously’ as consideration, but they will not wish to keep it that long after all that happened with Germany and the Netherlands. The Three Lions will have the clinical edge with Kane and Bellingham proving to be difference makers in this tournament, which will get them over the line as DR Congo‘s threat on the counter would be neutralised if their star forward Wisse’s impact is minimised.
FT: England 1-0 DR Congo
