England vs DR Congo — Round of 32 Preview, Kickoff Time UK and What to Expect

England topped Group L and now face DR Congo in the World Cup 2026 Round of 32. For Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel's side it is the start of what actually counts. For DR Congo — reaching a World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history — it is an occasion unlike anything their football story has produced. Here is everything you need to know before July 1.

England’s Route Here — Group L Winners

England came through Group L unbeaten, winning all three matches. They beat Croatia 4-2 in the opener — a result that settled some of the psychological debt from the 2018 World Cup semi-final defeat — drew 0-0 with Ghana in a disciplined second game, then beat Panama 2-0 in the group finale. The Panama result made history. Kane's goal took his World Cup tally to 11, moving him past Gary Lineker's record that had stood for 36 years. It was Tuchel’s side at their most composed: clinical when it mattered, defensively organised throughout.

Bellingham was outstanding against Croatia. Foden created chances consistently. Saka was sharp on the right flank. Tuchel won every single qualifying match without conceding a goal — the Round of 32 is his first knockout game as England manager. The squad has Kane, Bellingham, Foden and Saka all fit. Check the England team page on Footgoal for full fixtures and results.

DR Congo — A Story Worth Knowing

DR Congo qualified for the World Cup 2026 knockout stage for the first time in their history. Placed in Group K alongside Colombia, Portugal and Uzbekistan — three teams all ranked above them — they drew 1-1 with Portugal on matchday one and immediately proved they were not here to make up the numbers. They lost narrowly to Colombia, then needed to beat Uzbekistan on the final matchday. They won 3-1, a comeback result that confirmed them as one of the eight best third-placed teams.

Their standout player is Cédric Bakambu, who contributed throughout the group stage. DR Congo press high and counter quickly. They arrived in the knockout rounds with nothing to lose and every reason to believe a shock is possible. England’s defenders need to be switched on from the first minute.

Key Battles to Watch

Kane vs DR Congo’s backline

Kane is in the form of his international career. With 11 World Cup goals he is England’s record scorer and is firmly in the Golden Boot conversation alongside Messi, Mbappé and Haaland. DR Congo conceded three goals to Uzbekistan in their third group game. If England can get Kane in good positions early, the game can open up quickly. See the full Golden Boot race breakdown on Footgoal.

Bellingham as the creative hub

Bellingham was arguably England’s best player in the group stage. His ability to arrive late into the penalty area, drive from deep and create overloads on either side of the pitch makes him very difficult to neutralise. DR Congo’s midfield will need to be extremely disciplined over 90 minutes to limit his impact.

DR Congo’s counter-attacking threat

The most dangerous DR Congo moments in the group stage came in transition. If England over-commit going forward and lose the ball high up the pitch, DR Congo have the pace and directness to hurt them. Tuchel will plan for this — England’s full-backs and holding midfield need to remain disciplined even when England have possession.

England’s Potential Path to the Final

A win against DR Congo puts England in the Round of 16, likely facing the winner of Australia vs Egypt. A quarter-final could bring Brazil or Japan. The semi-final bracket places France or Norway as possible opponents on the other side. England have a realistic route to the final — but the Round of 32 against a motivated DR Congo must come first. Follow the complete World Cup 2026 bracket on Footgoal as results come in.

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