England vs DR Congo: 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 Preview, Kick-Off Time, TV Channels, Predicted Lineups & Tactical Analysis

Meta Description: England take on DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 on July 1, 2026, at Atlanta Stadium. Get kick-off time, beIN SPORTS TV channels, predicted lineups with Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and full match preview.

Match Preview: Three Lions Face African Test in Atlanta

The knockout phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins with a fascinating tie as England meet DR Congo in the Round of 32 at Atlanta Stadium. For England, this is a chance to assert their status as genuine title contenders under Thomas Tuchel. For DR Congo, it is a historic opportunity to knock out a European giant and reach the last 16 for the first time in their history.

England arrive in Atlanta with one of the deepest squads in the tournament. The likes of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice give Tuchel multiple ways to break down opponents. The Three Lions topped their group with attacking football, but the knockout rounds demand more discipline and efficiency. DR Congo, meanwhile, shocked many by finishing second in their group. Built on pace, physicality, and a solid defensive block, the Leopards will sit deep and look to hit England on the counter through their fast wingers and set-piece strength.

This will be the first-ever competitive World Cup meeting between the two nations, adding extra intrigue. England are clear favorites on paper, but World Cup history is full of upsets, and DR Congo have nothing to lose.

England vs DR Congo: Match Information

• Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 32
• Fixture: England vs DR Congo
• Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
• Kick-off Time: 7:00 PM Local Time | 2:00 AM Thursday KSA/Egypt Time
• Stadium: Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
• Referee: To be announced by FIFA

How to Watch: TV Channels & Live Stream

Fans in the Middle East and North Africa can watch every minute of the action live on:

• beIN SPORTS MAX 1 HD - Live commentary by Essam Al Shawali
• beIN SPORTS MAX 3 HD - Live commentary by Khalil Al Balushi

The match will also be available to stream on beIN CONNECT for subscribers. Viewers in the USA can check FOX, FS1, or Telemundo depending on regional rights.

Predicted Lineups and Team News

England have no major injury concerns, and Tuchel is expected to field his strongest XI. DR Congo will rely on their defensive organization and quick transitions.

England Predicted Lineup 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
Defense: Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Nico O'Reilly
Defensive Midfield: Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice
Attacking Midfield: Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford
Striker: Harry Kane

Tactical Note: Bellingham will operate as the free-roaming No.10 behind Kane, with Saka and Rashford providing width and direct running. Rice and Anderson will shield the back four and control tempo.

DR Congo Predicted Lineup 4-3-3

Goalkeeper: Dimitry Bertaud
Defense: Gedeon Kalulu, Chancel Mbemba, Dylan Batubinsika, Arthur Masuaku
Midfield: Samuel Moutoussamy, Charles Pickel, Theo Bongonda
Attack: Gael Kakuta, Cedric Bakambu, Yoane Wissa

Tactical Note: Expect DR Congo to stay compact, with Bakambu leading the line and Wissa using his pace in behind. Set-pieces and Mbemba’s aerial power could be key.

Key Players to Watch

• Harry Kane [England]: The England captain is the focal point. His movement, link-up play, and finishing will be crucial against a deep DR Congo defense.
• Jude Bellingham [England]: Bellingham’s energy, late runs into the box, and ability to play between the lines make him England’s biggest creative threat.
• Yoane Wissa [DR Congo]: Wissa’s speed on the break is DR Congo’s main weapon. If he gets space behind England’s high line, he can cause problems.
• Chancel Mbemba [DR Congo]: The experienced center-back will have to marshal Kane and organize DR Congo’s defense under pressure.

Head-to-Head Record & History

This will be the first competitive match between England and DR Congo at a World Cup. The two nations have never met in a major tournament before. England’s record vs African teams in World Cups is strong, but DR Congo will point to past upsets as motivation. For DR Congo, reaching the Round of 16 would be a landmark achievement.

Prediction & What to Expect

England should dominate possession and create chances through Saka, Rashford, and Bellingham. The key for Tuchel’s side is patience. If England score early, DR Congo will have to open up, which suits England’s counter-press. If it stays 0-0 past 60 minutes, the game could get tense.

Prediction: England 3-0 DR Congo. England’s quality and depth should see them through, but DR Congo’s physicality means the Three Lions cannot be complacent if they want to reach the Round of 16.

FAQ

When is England vs DR Congo?

The match is on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 7:00 PM local time in Atlanta.

What channel is England vs DR Congo on?

In MENA, watch on beIN SPORTS MAX 1 HD and beIN SPORTS MAX 3 HD.

Who will start for England vs DR Congo?

Expected: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.