FIFA Word Cup 2026: England vs DR Congo Live Details, Preview, Lineups
| FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 | |
| SCHEDULE | TIME |
| Match: | England vs DR Congo |
| Tournament: | FIFA 2026 |
| Match Date: | July 1 2026 |
| Match Time: | 9:30 p.m. Indian Time (UTC +5:30) |
| Stadium: | - |
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Preview: England vs DR Congo
England face DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, with a place in the last 16 at stake. England reached the knockout stage after topping Group L with wins over Croatia and Panama, along with a draw against Ghana. However, their performances have not fully convinced, and Thomas Tuchel’s side will need a sharper attacking display in this knockout fixture.
DR Congo reached the Round of 32 as the highest-ranked third-placed team. The Leopards drew with Portugal, lost narrowly to Colombia and then produced a 3-1 comeback win over Uzbekistan to secure qualification. This is a historic moment for DR Congo, who are playing in their first World Cup knockout match.
England will rely on their key attacking players, especially Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka, to break down a compact DR Congo defence. Kane and Bellingham have already delivered important moments in the tournament, but England will need better creativity and intensity if they want to avoid a difficult match.
DR Congo are expected to stay organised defensively and look for chances on the counterattack. Yoane Wissa will be their main attacking threat after scoring three goals at the tournament, while Chancel Mbemba, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Arthur Masuaku give the team experience and strength at the back.
The winner of this match will advance to the Round of 16, where they will face the winner of Mexico vs Ecuador.
Live Details
The England vs DR Congo match will be played in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
The match will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, United States. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 PM ET, which is 5:00 PM BST in the United Kingdom and 9:30 PM IST in India.
Fans can watch the match through official broadcasters in their region. In the United Kingdom, the match is available on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. In the United States, it is listed on Fox Sports. In India, the match is available on Zee5, while viewers in Australia can watch on SBS. ESPN is also providing live updates.
Live score updates, match commentary, substitutions, cards, team news and major highlights will also be available through major football live-score platforms during the game.
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Lineup Details
The official starting lineups are usually confirmed closer to kickoff, so the following are predicted lineups based on the latest team news.
England Predicted Lineup
England are expected to use a 4-3-3 formation.
Jordan Pickford is expected to start in goal. The defence could feature Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi and Nico O’Reilly. In midfield, Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are likely to start. The attack could include Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane and Anthony Gordon.
England predicted XI: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guéhi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Kane, Gordon.
England will be without Reece James, who has a hamstring injury. Jarell Quansah is also a concern after suffering an injury against Panama, which makes Djed Spence the likely starter at right-back. Declan Rice is expected to return to midfield after being rested to manage a calf issue.
DR Congo Predicted Lineup
DR Congo are expected to line up in a 5-3-2 formation.
Lionel Mpasi-Nzau is expected to start in goal. The back five could include Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Steve Kapuadi and Arthur Masuaku. In midfield, Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy and Edo Kayembe are expected to provide defensive support and energy. The attack could be led by Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu.
DR Congo predicted XI: Mpasi-Nzau; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Kapuadi, Masuaku; Sadiki, Moutoussamy, Kayembe; Wissa, Bakambu.
DR Congo have no major injury concerns reported before the match. Coach Sébastien Desabre is expected to move back to a more defensive 5-3-2 system, the same shape that helped them compete well against Portugal and Colombia.
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