England Face DR Congo in World Cup Round of 32: Preview and Predictions

England will face the Democratic Republic of Congo in the World Cup's round of 32 on Wednesday, July 1, at Atlanta Stadium, according to Al Jazeera. The match kicks off at noon (16:00 GMT). It marks the first-ever meeting between the two sides.

England topped Group L with seven points, including a 4-2 win over Croatia, as reported by France 24. That victory came after a 0-0 draw with Ghana and a 2-0 win over Panama, according to Al Jazeera. DR Congo finished third in Group K with four points, advancing as the highest-ranked third-place finisher. Their group results include a 1-1 draw with Portugal, a 1-0 defeat to Colombia, and a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan, as detailed by Al Jazeera.

France 24 reported that Portugal were held to that 1-1 draw by DR Congo, and noted that Cristiano Ronaldo did not get a shot on target, raising questions about his playing time.

Coverage Comparison

Al Jazeera's coverage focuses on England's chances and the broader knockout-stage picture, including Argentina's meeting with Cape Verde and Belgium's clash with Senegal. The outlet also cites Opta's supercomputer prediction, which gives England a 73.9 percent chance of winning inside 90 minutes, with DR Congo at 11.3 percent and a draw at 14.8 percent. Overall, England have an 82 percent chance of reaching the last 16, according to Opta, while DR Congo are given an 18 percent chance.

France 24's coverage centers on England's opening win over Croatia and Tuchel's tactics, as well as the Portugal-DR Congo draw. The outlet describes the draw as "the latest upset of a team considered to be among the favourites to win the tournament."

Both outlets highlight England's status as favorites, but Al Jazeera notes that England have shown vulnerability against African teams, drawing with Ghana and losing a friendly to Senegal.

Key Claims

  • England will face DR Congo in the round of 32, as reported by Al Jazeera.
  • Opta's supercomputer gives England a 73.9 percent chance of winning against DR Congo, according to Al Jazeera.
  • Argentina will face Cape Verde in the round of 32, as reported by Al Jazeera.
  • Belgium will face Senegal in the round of 32, as reported by Al Jazeera.
  • USA will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32, as reported by Al Jazeera.
  • England won against Croatia 4-2, as reported by France 24.
  • Portugal drew with DR Congo 1-1, as reported by France 24.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo didn't get a shot on target, as reported by France 24.