England vs DR Congo Match Preview, Prediction, Timings, Lineups, Teams, and How to Watch — FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32

England topped Group L with a confident 2-0 win over Panama — but Thomas Tuchel’s side knows the real tournament starts now. Their reward? A Round of 32 clash against a DR Congo side that pulled off a dramatic late comeback to even earn this spot. Don’t sleep on this one.

England vs DR Congo Match Details-

Team Form & Preview

England finished top of Group L but haven’t exactly been breathtaking. Harry Kane became England’s all-time World Cup scorer (70 goals) against Panama, while Jude Bellingham pulled the strings in midfield. The issues? A lack of cutting edge and some concerning defensive wobbles in earlier games.

DR Congo, ranked 45th by FIFA, sneaked through Group K in dramatic fashion — Yoane Wissa converted a second-half penalty and grabbed a second to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan. Fiston Mayele’s goal added the cherry on top. They’re dangerous, physical, and motivated.

As ESPN reported, DR Congo’s place in the Round of 32 came down to a tense final-group-game decider — they earned it the hard way.

Predicted Lineups

England (4-2-3-1) Pickford | Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Guehi, Trippier | Rice, Gallagher | Saka, Bellingham, Foden | Kane

DR Congo (4-3-3) Epolo | Bolenge, Mbemba, Ngadeu, Bela | Tshimanga, Lokilo, Pickel | Makabi, Wissa, Mayele

Prediction

England should have enough quality to progress, but this won’t be a stroll. DR Congo’s pace on the break and Wissa’s clinical form make them a genuine threat on the counter.

Prediction: England 3-1 DR Congo (NBC Sports also backs England 3-1)

England’s Road Ahead

If England win, they face the Mexico vs Ecuador winner in the Round of 16 in Mexico City (July 6). After that, potential quarter-final opponents Brazil, a semi-final against Argentina, and a final against Spain or France await — a route that reads like a footballing fantasy.

For more World Cup 2026 coverage, check out our FIFA World Cup 2026 hub on TechnoSports and our latest football predictions and previews.

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