England v Congo DR prediction, lineups & tips: World Cup 2026 round of 32

England enter the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout rounds as one of the favourites to lift the trophy, but the round of 32 comes with a genuine test. Congo DR, appearing in their first-ever World Cup knockout game, arrive in Atlanta having drawn with Portugal, beaten Uzbekistan 3-1 and absorbed everything Colombia threw at them in between. Thomas Tuchel's side topped Group L and go in as strong favourites, but the group stage did not always make comfortable viewing.

England's group campaign told two very different stories. The 4-2 opening win over Croatia was full of purpose and attacking intent; what followed, a goalless stalemate with Ghana and a flat 2-0 win over Panama, raised familiar questions about this squad's ability to break down a deep defensive block. Congo DR, managed by Sébastien Desabre and set up with a back five and three disciplined midfielders, are exactly the kind of opponent that gave England problems in the group.

Tuchel, speaking after the Panama game, was measured but clear about his ambitions. "We wanted to win the group," he said. "There is no substitute for wins and we have that feeling again." He added separately that England "will get better" in the knockouts, a comment that felt as much like a directive to his players as a prediction.

Congo DR's route to the last 32 tells its own story. A 1-1 draw with Portugal on matchday one was a genuine statement: Desabre's side absorbed relentless pressure and hit back. The 1-0 defeat to Colombia was the one blemish, but Yoane Wissa's two goals in the 3-1 win over Uzbekistan, with Fiston Mayele's 78th-minute strike sealing qualification, showed they carry a genuine threat on the counter. In four years under Desabre, Congo DR have never been beaten by more than one goal in a competitive match. England will need to be patient.

Spence's selection at right back is the big tactical talking point for Tuchel. The Tottenham man has featured mainly as a left back for his club and, while he showed competence in all three group games, operating in unfamiliar territory against Wissa's pace on the counter is a risk. England's back four of Spence, Konsa, Guehi and O'Reilly, with Rice and Anderson anchoring in midfield, should provide enough cover, but Tuchel will be under pressure if Spence is exposed early. For Congo DR, Desabre is expected to line up with his familiar back five.

England v Congo DR kicks off at 17:00 BST on Wednesday 1 July 2026. The match will be broadcast live on BBC One and is available to stream free via BBC iPlayer. ITV1 and ITVX are also listed as co-broadcasters for the fixture.