How to watch England vs DR Congo: TV channel, start time and how to stream World Cup last-32 clash online

Chris WilsonWed, July 1, 2026 at 6:19 AM UTC

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England face DR Congo in the round of 32 at the World Cup 2026, with Thomas Tuchel’s side facing a tricky test in their first match of the knockout rounds.

The Three Lions safely navigated their final group game against Panama to finish to of Group L, and their reward is a last-32 tie against DR Congo, who finished third in Group K thanks to a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan.

While Tuchel’s side started the tournament with an emphatic performance in a 4-2 win over Croatia, the performance in the games against Ghana and Panama have failed to inspire, and they could use a statement performance in their first knockout game.

However, Congo will provide a stern test to the Three Lions, with Sebastien Desabre’s side having impressed in the draw to Portugal and the win over Uzbekistan.

Here’s everything you ahead of the game.

When is England vs DR Congo?

England’s last-32 tie against DR Congo kicks off at 5pm BST (12pm ET) on Wednesday, 1 July at the Atlanta Stadium.

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How can I watch it?

Viewers in the UK can watch the match on BBC One. It will also be streamed on BBC iPlayer.

Who will the winner face?

The winner will face Mexico, who beat Ecuador 2-0. That match will take place on Monday, 6 July (Sunday, 5 July local time) in Mexico City.

Team news

Defender Reece James is the only confirmed absentee for the Three Lions, with the Chelsea captain facing a fight to recover in time to feature again at the tournament. Jarell Quansah is the only injury doubt, with the Bayer Leverkusen defender forced to come off during the win over Panama on Saturday.

Djed Spence could feature at right-back, while Ezri Konsa could move to right-back with John Stones coming in at centre-back. Declan Rice should return for the Three Lions, while Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford will hope to start after encouraging performances in the final group game.

DR Congo have no new injury concerns after their win over Uzbekistan last time out, so Desabre will likely field familiar Premier League names including Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe and Yoane Wissa.

Predicted line-ups

England XI: Pickford; Konsa, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.

DR Congo XI: Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Kapuadi, Masuaku; Mukau, Moutoussamy, Kayembe; Bakambu, Wissa.

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Source: “AOL Sports”