England take on DR Congo tonight in the World Cup 2026 round of 32, with a clash against Mexico awaiting the victors in Mexico City on Sunday. It is a first-ever meeting between the two nations, and England start as strong favourites after topping Group L with a 2-0 win over Panama in New Jersey.
Match Details and How to Watch
The match kicks off at 5pm BST on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Atlanta Stadium (Mercedes-Benz Stadium) in Atlanta, Georgia. UK viewers can watch live and free on BBC One from 4pm, with live streaming available on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website. Highlights will be available on FIFA's official YouTube channel, BBC iPlayer, and ITVX.
Team News: Rice Returns, Full-Back Crisis
Declan Rice returns to England's midfield after being rested against Panama due to a calf issue sustained against Ghana. Rice has also been managing nerve pain in his hamstring for several months. His return pushes Jude Bellingham back to the No.10 role, with Morgan Rogers likely to drop out.
Full-back is a major concern for manager Thomas Tuchel. Jarell Quansah limped off against Panama with a twisted ankle and is a doubt. First-choice right-back Reece James is again sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Tino Livramento flew home before the tournament due to a calf problem requiring surgery. Djed Spence is the only natural right-back available.
Tuchel made five changes for the Panama win, with Quansah, Nico O'Reilly, Morgan Rogers, Marcus Rashford, and Bukayo Saka replacing James, Spence, Rice, Anthony Gordon, and Noni Madueke.
DR Congo: First Knockout Appearance
DR Congo are through to the World Cup knockouts for the first time on only their second finals appearance. Their only previous outing was in 1974 as Zaire, where they lost all three matches including a 9-0 defeat to Yugoslavia. This time, they held Portugal to a 1-1 draw in Group K, lost narrowly 1-0 to Colombia, and beat debutants Uzbekistan 3-1, finishing as the best third-placed team.
Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa is their key threat. The squad includes several Premier League players: West Ham's Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Sunderland's Noah Sadiki and Arthur Masuaku, Burnley's Axel Tuanzebe, ex-Newcastle man Chancel Mbemba, Watford's Edo Kayembe, and former Chelsea winger Gael Kakuta. Real Betis striker Cedric Bakambu, now 35, needs one more goal to equal the all-time national record.
Prediction and Odds
England's performance against Panama was improved from the sluggish draw with Ghana, but still far from their best. DR Congo have proven tough to break down, frustrating Portugal and pushing Colombia. Expect a tight contest, with England likely to edge a 2-1 victory without needing extra time.
Odds are subject to change. Gambling responsibly is advised; help is available from BeGambleAware or Gamcare.
