EnglandvsDR Congo

England edged DR Congo 2–1. Goalscorers — England: H. Kane 75', H. Kane 86'; DR Congo: B. Cipenga 7'.

England met DR Congo in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. It belongs to the Round of 32 — the opening knockout stage introduced for the expanded 48-team format in 2026, bringing together the 12 group winners, 12 runners-up and the eight best third-placed teams. From this point the tournament is win-or-go-home.

England go in ranked 4th in the FIFA World Ranking to DR Congo's 45th — a gap of 41 places that marks England out as clear favourites on paper. It is an inter-confederation meeting — England of UEFA against DR Congo of CAF — the kind of contrast in styles the World Cup exists to stage.

England approach the 2026 World Cup with a squad widely regarded as one of the most talented generations in the country's history, yet still haunted by near-misses at recent major tournaments. Runners-up at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, and semifinalists at the 2018 World Cup, the Three Lions have consistently been among the last teams standing without quite crossing the finish line.

DR Congo are one of Africa's most passionate footballing nations, with a fervent fanbase and a squad brimming with athletic, technically gifted players. Les Leopards have experienced a resurgence in recent years, reaching the AFCON semifinals in 2024 for the first time in decades.

England: England won their sole World Cup in 1966, famously beating West Germany 4-2 in the final at Wembley, with Geoff Hurst scoring a hat-trick that included the controversial third goal. DR Congo: DR Congo, then known as Zaire, appeared at their only World Cup in 1974 in West Germany, where they lost all three group matches.

The match is scheduled at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, United States. Kickoff is scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 04:00 PM (12:00 PM ET).