England face DR Congo in the round of 32 at the World Cup 2026, with Thomas Tuchel‘s side facing a tricky test in their first match of the knockout rounds.
The Three Lions safely navigated their final group game against Panama to finish to of Group L, and their reward is a last-32 tie against DR Congo, who finished third in Group K thanks to a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan.
While Tuchel’s side started the tournament with an emphatic performance in a 4-2 win over Croatia, the performance in the games against Ghana and Panama have failed to inspire, and they could use a statement performance in their first knockout game.
However, Congo will provide a stern test to the Three Lions, with Sebastien Desabre’s side having impressed in the draw to Portugal and the win over Uzbekistan.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game.
England’s last-32 tie against DR Congo kicks off at 5pm BST (12pm ET) on Wednesday, 1 July at the Atlanta Stadium.
Viewers in the UK can watch the match on BBC One. It will also be streamed on BBC iPlayer.
The winner will face Mexico, who beat Ecuador 2-0. That match will take place on Monday, 6 July (Sunday, 5 July local time) in Mexico City.
England XI: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Madueke, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.
DR Congo XI: Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Sadiki; Mbuku, Mukau, Cipenga; Wissa.
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