2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 Preview: England vs. Congo DR

The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has concluded, and the matchups for the Round of 32 have been revealed and are now underway.

The winners of Group L, England, will face DR Congo in the Round of 32 in Atlanta on July 1. England are massive favorites entering this matchup after winning two of their three group-stage matches and topping the group with seven points. DR Congo will be looking to make history as underdogs by winning their first-ever World Cup knockout-stage match.

England opened their 2026 World Cup campaign in fine form, defeating Croatia 4-2 behind a brace from striker and England’s all-time World Cup leading goalscorer, Harry Kane. They followed that performance with a competitive 0-0 draw against Ghana before closing out the group stage with a 2-0 victory over Panama. England have so much talent and depth throughout their squad and have the potential to make a deep run in this tournament if they can get past DR Congo.

Besides Kane who has three goals this summer, notable players on England’s squad include Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Ezri Konsa, all of whom have played important roles during the group stage.

While England’s performances haven’t surprised many, DR Congo have defied expectations by finishing third in Group K with four points and earning their first-ever World Cup victory against Uzbekistan.

While their win over Uzbekistan on Matchday 3 secured their place in the knockout stage, their 1-1 draw against Portugal was one of the biggest surprise results of the tournament and could give DR Congo the confidence they need to pull off another upset against England.

DR Congo’s Yoane Wissa has scored three goals so far and will be looking to add to that total as they attempt to make history with one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

The winner of England vs. DR Congo will face the winner of Ecuador vs. Mexico in the Round of 16.