The Leopards are dreaming of another shock result in their first venture into the knockout stages of the World Cup as they take on the high-fancied Three Lions.
Round of 32
Thursday, 2 July | Atlanta Stadium
Kick-off time
00:00 (GMT+8)
The match
Having pulled off one of the great escapes of this FIFA World Cup 2026™ by reaching the knockout stages for the first time in only their second outing at the tournament, DR Congo face the biggest game in their nation’s history as they take on England in Atlanta.
Thomas Tuchel’s side may be one of the favourites to win the trophy but DR Congo have already pulled off one major upset by drawing with Portugal in their opening game and several of their players, such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Noah Sadiki and Yoane Wissa – who struck twice in the 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan which clinched their place in the Round of 32 – are well-established Premier League players.
England topped Group L thanks to victories over Croatia and Panama plus a goalless draw against Ghana, with Harry Kane in confident mood after scoring three times and Jude Bellingham also impressing with two goals and an assist. The winner of this match will play either co-hosts Mexico or Ecuador in the Round of 16 at Mexico City Stadium on 5 July.
England possible starting XI
Pickford; Konsa, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson, Bellingham; Saka, Kane, Rashford
DR Congo possible starting XI
Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Mbuku, Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Cipenga; Bakambu, Wissa
What they said…
“It ramps up now, doesn’t it? It’s a proper phase of football. One game at a time. There are lads who have won Champions Leagues, lads who have been in youth tournaments with England. Everyone knows the pressure of it and I think that is where you will see us thrive.” Jordan Pickford, England goalkeeper
“England next is gonna be a different game, a tough, tough game against top players, top opponents. We need to enjoy this type of game. We deserve to play against England, one of the best teams in the world, so I’m looking forward to what’s coming next.“ Yoane Wissa, DR Congo striker
Atlanta Stadium
Standing at over 300 feet high, Atlanta Stadium features a one-of-a-kind retractable roof, first-of-its-kind 360-degree halo video display and has been lauded as the most sustainable stadium in the world. Atlanta United of Major League Soccer (MLS) and the National Football League’s (NFL) Atlanta Falcons call the ground home. Since opening in 2017, the stadium has hosted the biggest events in the United States, including the MLS All-Star Game, College Football Play-off National Championship Game, Super Bowl LIII, the FIFA Club World Cup™, numerous international friendlies, and concerts from global superstars.