World Cup preview: England target place in last 16 against ambitious DR Congo
By Joel Masibo, July 1, 2026England will aim to book a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16 when they take on DR Congo in Wednesday’s, July 1, 2026, last-32 encounter at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Thomas Tuchel’s side progressed as winners of Group L despite mixed displays during the group phase, while DR Congo reached the knockout rounds after finishing as the best-performing third-placed team.
Match preview
England entered their final group match knowing qualification was already secured regardless of the outcome against Panama, thanks to favorable results elsewhere. However, finishing first in Group L still had to be confirmed, with Croatia and Ghana capable of overtaking them.
The Three Lions once again produced an underwhelming opening 45 minutes, but their quality eventually shone through after the interval. Harry Kane became England’s all-time leading World Cup scorer before Jude Bellingham added another in quick succession to secure a comfortable 2-0 victory.
Although England have not consistently impressed in the tournament, history suggests flawless performances are not essential for lifting the World Cup trophy. Only Uruguay (1930), Italy (1938), Brazil (1970) and Brazil (2002) have completed perfect campaigns through normal or extra time.
Tuchel has also enjoyed an outstanding competitive start as England boss. Excluding friendlies and penalty shootouts, he remains unbeaten with 10 victories and one draw from 11 matches. Only Ron Greenwood and Roy Hodgson enjoyed longer unbeaten competitive starts during their England reigns.
DR Congo, meanwhile, have already demonstrated resilience at the tournament. After drawing with Portugal in their opener, they recovered brilliantly from an early setback against Uzbekistan in a decisive group fixture.
Having fallen behind inside the opening 10 minutes through Eldor Shomurodov, the Leopards mounted an impressive second-half comeback. Yoane Wissa scored twice, with Fiston Mayele also finding the net as DR Congo secured a historic victory.
Competing under the DR Congo name for the first time at a World Cup, the nation has reached the knockout rounds for the first time. Their only previous appearance came as Zaire in 1974, when they exited after losing all three group matches.
Sebastien Desabre’s men advanced with four points and a positive goal difference, narrowly finishing behind Portugal while earning the strongest record among all third-placed teams.
Victory over England would send DR Congo into a last-16 showdown with either Mexico or Ecuador, with a potential quarter-final against five-time champions Brazil awaiting the winner.
Team news
England’s biggest concern remains at right-back after Jarell Quansah suffered an ankle injury against Panama, joining Reece James on the sidelines.
Tuchel expects Quansah to return within days, but James is still unlikely to recover in time, meaning Djed Spence is set to continue in the starting lineup.
Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford are expected to retain their places on the wings if fully fit, while Kane will again spearhead the attack. The Bayern Munich striker is also chasing another England World Cup milestone, having already scored three knockout-stage goals.
DR Congo have reported a fully fit squad ahead of their first-ever World Cup knockout match.
Desabre may switch back to the five-man defense he used against Portugal and Colombia after opting for a 4-4-2 formation versus Uzbekistan. Such a move would likely see defender Steve Kapuadi replace striker Brian Cipenga.
Further forward, Fiston Mayele has strengthened his claim for a starting role following his goal in the final group game, although the experienced Cedric Bakambu is still expected to partner Wissa in attack.
Wissa enters the contest in excellent form, having already scored twice at this World Cup, one more than he managed throughout the entire 2025-26 Premier League season.
Probable lineups
England: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.
DR Congo: Mpasi-Nzau; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Kapuadi, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Kayembe; Wissa, Bakambu.