- By Samannay Sen
- Wed, 01 Jul 2026 08:30 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- The Three Lions head into the knockout clash as one of the tournament favourites.
- DR Congo have become one of the biggest surprise packages of FIFA World Cup 2026.
- Harry Kane has looked sharp throughout the tournament.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 continues with another challenging contest as England take on DR Congo at the Atlanta Stadium tonight.
The Three Lions head into the knockout clash as one of the tournament favourites after finishing at the top of Group L, while DR Congo have already scripted history by reaching the knocout stages for the first time in only their second FIFA World Cup appearance.
Thomas Tuchel's men will start as favourites, but DR Congo have already shown throughout the tournament that they are capable of troubling some of the biggest teams in world football. They held Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal to 1-1 draw in their World Cup opener.
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England vs DR Congo Preview
England national football team have slowly built momentum heading into the knockout rounds. Victories over Croatia and Panama, followed by a disciplined draw against Ghana, ensured the Three Lions finished comfortably at the top of Group L.
Harry Kane has once again led from the front with three goals, while Jude Bellingham has continued his outstanding World Cup campaign with two goals and an assist.
However, DR Congo have become one of the biggest surprise packages of FIFA World Cup 2026. After holding Portugal to a famous draw, the African nation secured qualification with an impressive victory over Uzbekistan. Players like Yoane Wissa, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Noah Sadiki have played key roles in one of the country's greatest footballing achievements.
The winners of tonight's contest will face either Mexico in the Round of 16. With stats, form and probable line-ups in mind, we have prepared a combined starting XI for this fascinating knockout game.
Will Harry Kane Score Tonight?
Harry Kane has looked sharp throughout the tournament, scoring three goals while leading England's attack with his movement, finishing and leadership. With the knockout stages now underway, the Bayern Munich striker will once again be expected to deliver when it matters most.
Speaking ahead of the clash, England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford insisted the squad is ready for the pressure of knockout football. "It ramps up now, doesn't it? It's a proper phase of football. One game at a time. Everyone knows the pressure of it and I think that is where you will see us thrive,” Pickford said.
DR Congo, however, have no intention of making life easy for England. Forward Yoane Wissa admitted his side are excited about facing one of the world's biggest football nations.
"England next is gonna be a different game, a tough, tough game against top players, top opponents. We need to enjoy this type of game. We deserve to play against England, one of the best teams in the world," said Wissa.
When And Where To Watch England vs DR Congo Tonight?
Match: England vs DR Congo
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Round of 32
Venue: Atlanta Stadium, United States
Date: July 1 (IST)
Kick-off Time: 9:30 PM IST
Fans can watch the match through the official FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcasters in their respective regions.
Win Probability
England's experience, squad depth and attacking quality make them clear favourites, although DR Congo have already proven they can frustrate any opposition.
England: 72%
Draw (90 Minutes): 17%
DR Congo: 11%
England vs DR Congo Prediction
The Three Lions are expected to dominate possession through Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, while DR Congo will look to stay compact before launching quick counter-attacks through Yoane Wissa.
England vs DR Congo Predicted Score: England 3-1 DR Congo
England vs DR Congo Combined Predicted XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford (England)
Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka (DR Congo), John Stones (England), Chancel Mbemba (DR Congo), Arthur Masuaku (DR Congo)
Midfielders: Declan Rice (England), Jude Bellingham (England), Elliot Anderson (England)
Forwards: Bukayo Saka (England), Harry Kane (England), Yoane Wissa (DR Congo)
Reason Behind The Choices In Combined XI
Jordan Pickford (England)
England's number one remains the obvious choice thanks to his outstanding shot-stopping ability and experience.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (DR Congo)
The former Manchester United defender earns the right-back spot for his exceptional one-on-one defending and ability to shut down dangerous wingers.
John Stones (England)
Stones brings composure, leadership and excellent ball-playing ability, making him the ideal defender.
Chancel Mbemba (DR Congo)
The experienced DR Congo captain gets the nod for his physicality, aerial dominance and leadership at the heart of the defence.
Arthur Masuaku (DR Congo)
Masuaku edges the left-back position thanks to his natural attacking width and consistency.
Declan Rice (England)
Rice remains the midfield anchor with his ball-winning ability, positional awareness and leadership in front of the defence.
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Jude Bellingham (England)
One of the tournament's standout performers, Bellingham controls games with his energy, creativity and ability to influence both boxes.
Elliot Anderson (England)
Anderson earns his place after an impressive tournament, offering tireless work rate, intelligent movement and balance in midfield.
Bukayo Saka (England)
The Arsenal winger remains one of England's biggest attacking threats with his pace, dribbling and ability to create chances from the right.
Harry Kane (England)
England's all-time leading goalscorer leads the line with his world-class finishing, intelligent link-up play and proven record in major tournaments.
Yoane Wissa (DR Congo)
Wissa completes the XI after an outstanding World Cup campaign, using his pace, direct running and clinical finishing to become DR Congo's biggest attacking weapon.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 continues with another challenging contest as England take on DR Congo at the Atlanta Stadium tonight.
The Three Lions head into the knockout clash as one of the tournament favourites after finishing at the top of Group L, while DR Congo have already scripted history by reaching the knockout stages for the first time in only their second FIFA World Cup appearance.
Thomas Tuchel's men will start as favourites, but DR Congo have already shown throughout the tournament that they are capable of troubling some of the biggest teams in world football. They held Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal to 1-1 draw in their World Cup opener.
England vs DR Congo Preview
England national football have slowly built momentum heading into the knockout rounds. Victories over Croatia and Panama, followed by a disciplined draw against Ghana, ensured the Three Lions finished comfortably at the top of Group L. Harry Kane has once again led from the front with three goals, while Jude Bellingham has continued his outstanding World Cup campaign with two goals and an assist.
However, DR Congo have become one of the biggest surprise packages of FIFA World Cup 2026. After holding Portugal to a famous draw, the African nation secured qualification with an impressive victory over Uzbekistan. Players like Yoane Wissa, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Noah Sadiki have played key roles in one of the country's greatest footballing achievements.
The winners of tonight's contest will face either Mexico in the Round of 16. With stats, form and probable line-ups in mind, we have prepared a combined starting XI for this fascinating knockout game.
Will Harry Kane Score Tonight?
Harry Kane has looked sharp throughout the tournament, scoring three goals while leading England's attack with his movement, finishing and leadership. With the knockout stages now underway, the Bayern Munich striker will once again be expected to deliver when it matters most.
Speaking ahead of the clash, England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford insisted the squad is ready for the pressure of knockout football. "It ramps up now, doesn't it? It's a proper phase of football. One game at a time. Everyone knows the pressure of it and I think that is where you will see us thrive,” Pickford said.
DR Congo, however, have no intention of making life easy for England. Forward Yoane Wissa admitted his side are excited about facing one of the world's biggest football nations.
"England next is gonna be a different game, a tough, tough game against top players, top opponents. We need to enjoy this type of game. We deserve to play against England, one of the best teams in the world," said Wissa.
When And Where To Watch England vs DR Congo Tonight?
Match: England vs DR Congo
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Round of 32
Venue: Atlanta Stadium, United States
Date: July 1 (IST)
Kick-off Time: 9:30 PM IST
Fans can watch the match through the official FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcasters in their respective regions.
Win Probability
England's experience, squad depth and attacking quality make them clear favourites, although DR Congo have already proven they can frustrate any opposition.
England: 72%
Draw (90 Minutes): 17%
DR Congo: 11%
England vs DR Congo Prediction
The Three Lions are expected to dominate possession through Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, while DR Congo will look to stay compact before launching quick counter-attacks through Yoane Wissa.
England vs DR Congo Predicted Score: England 3-1 DR Congo
England vs DR Congo Combined Predicted XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford (England)
Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka (DR Congo), John Stones (England), Chancel Mbemba (DR Congo), Arthur Masuaku (DR Congo)
Midfielders: Declan Rice (England), Jude Bellingham (England), Elliot Anderson (England)
Forwards: Bukayo Saka (England), Harry Kane (England), Yoane Wissa (DR Congo)
Reason Behind The Choices In Combined XI
Jordan Pickford (England)
England's number one remains the obvious choice thanks to his outstanding shot-stopping ability and experience.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (DR Congo)
The former Manchester United defender earns the right-back spot for his exceptional one-on-one defending and ability to shut down dangerous wingers.
John Stones (England)
Stones brings composure, leadership and excellent ball-playing ability, making him the ideal defender.
Chancel Mbemba (DR Congo)
The experienced DR Congo captain gets the nod for his physicality, aerial dominance and leadership at the heart of the defence.
Arthur Masuaku (DR Congo)
Masuaku edges the left-back position thanks to his natural attacking width and consistency.
Declan Rice (England)
Rice remains the midfield anchor with his ball-winning ability, positional awareness and leadership in front of the defence.
Jude Bellingham (England)
One of the tournament's standout performers, Bellingham controls games with his energy, creativity and ability to influence both boxes.
Elliot Anderson (England)
Anderson earns his place after an impressive tournament, offering tireless work rate, intelligent movement and balance in midfield.
Bukayo Saka (England)
The Arsenal winger remains one of England's biggest attacking threats with his pace, dribbling and ability to create chances from the right.
Harry Kane (England)
England's all-time leading goalscorer leads the line with his world-class finishing, intelligent link-up play and proven record in major tournaments.
Yoane Wissa (DR Congo)
Wissa completes the XI after an outstanding World Cup campaign, using his pace, direct running and clinical finishing to become DR Congo's biggest attacking weapon.