England vs DR Congo: World Cup Round of 32 match
England face tournament debutants DR Congo in the World Cup round of 32 on Wednesday. England are favourites, but DR Congo have impressed in their first knockout appearance.
England continue their quest for the 2026 World Cup title when they meet first-time knockout-stage participants DR Congo at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday at noon (16:00 GMT).
How they reached the round of 32
England won Group L with seven points: a 4-2 win over Croatia, a 0-0 draw with Ghana, and a 2-0 win over Panama. DR Congo finished third in Group K with four points: a 1-1 draw with Portugal, a 1-0 loss to Colombia, and a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan, advancing as the highest-ranked third-placed team.
Form and prediction
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have contributed five goals between them to carry England through, but the team's recent performances have lacked intensity. DR Congo, despite the Ebola crisis affecting their preparations, secured their first-ever World Cup win by beating Uzbekistan 3-2, with Yoane Wissa scoring twice.
Opta's supercomputer gives England a 73.9% probability of winning in regulation time, with DR Congo at 11.3%. The chance of extra time or penalties is 14.8%.
Head-to-head and team news
This will be the first meeting between England and DR Congo. England have previously faced two African teams in one tournament in 1990, beating Egypt and Cameroon.
Declan Rice is expected to return from injury for England, but right-back problems persist: Reece James is out with a hamstring issue, and Jarell Quansah suffered an ankle injury. Djed Spence is likely to start. DR Congo have no injury concerns.
Predicted lineups
England (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane. DR Congo (5-3-2): Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Kapuadi, Masuaku; Mukau, Moutoussamy, Kayembe; Wissa, Bakambu.
Where to watch
UK: BBC One, BBC iPlayer (5pm BST). DR Congo: New World Sport 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 (7pm CET). US: FOX, Telemundo (10am ET).
