England face DR Congo in World Cup last-32 clash with Mexico awaiting the winners

England play the Democratic Republic of the Congo in a round of 32 match at the World Cup 2026, with the winners advancing to face cohosts Mexico in the last 16. The match takes place at the Atlanta Stadium and kicks off at noon (16:00 GMT), as reported by Al Jazeera.

France 24 adds that Thomas Tuchel’s England enter the match as overwhelming favourites, aiming for a first World Cup title since 1966. However, the Three Lions are wary of another upset in a tournament that has already seen European heavyweights Germany and the Netherlands eliminated early. DR Congo, playing in their first World Cup knockout match, qualified from the group stage as the top-ranking third-placed team and held European giants Portugal to a draw in the group stage.

Coverage comparison

Al Jazeera’s live coverage focuses on the essential match details, noting the venue, kickoff time, and the stakes — the winners meet Mexico in the last 16. France 24’s coverage adopts a more analytical tone, highlighting the potential for an upset given DR Congo’s resilient performance in the group stage and their historic qualification. The French outlet also provides the starting lineups for both teams.

Key claims

  • England faces DR Congo in a round of 32 clash at the World Cup 2026, with the winner meeting Mexico in the last 16 (reported by Al Jazeera).
  • The match takes place at the Atlanta Stadium, kicking off at noon (16:00 GMT) (reported by Al Jazeera).
  • DR Congo qualified as the top-ranking third-placed team, their first World Cup knockout appearance (reported by France 24).
  • DR Congo held Portugal to a draw in the group stage (reported by France 24).
  • England’s lineup: Pickford, Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly, Anderson, Rice, Madueke, Bellingham, Rashford, Kane (reported by France 24).
  • DR Congo’s lineup: M’Pasi-Nzau, Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku, Mukau, Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Mbuku, Wissa, Cipenga (reported by France 24).
  • Kickoff is at 12pm local time and 5pm in London and Kinshasa (reported by France 24).