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- England vs DR Congo Live Score, FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32: Harry Kane's England begin knockout campaign against history-chasing DR Congo
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Jul 01, 2026, 20:10:00 IST
England vs DR Congo Live Score, FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32: England's quest to end a 60-year wait for FIFA World Cup glory enters the knockout stage with a fascinating Round of 32 clash against history-making DR Congo.
Thomas Tuchel's side progressed comfortably after finishing top of Group L with seven points, defeating Croatia and Panama before settling for a draw against Ghana. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham found their scoring touch during the group stage, but England are still searching for greater fluency in attack as tougher challenges await.
Standing in their way is a DR Congo side enjoying the finest World Cup campaign in the nation's history. Under Sébastien Desabre, the Congolese have become one of the tournament's most organised teams, combining defensive discipline with dangerous counterattacking football. Their memorable 3-2 victory over Uzbekistan secured both their first-ever World Cup win and a place in the knockout rounds.
Desabre's tactical flexibility has been central to the team's success. Although he traditionally prefers a back four, the coach has embraced a back-five system to frustrate stronger opponents. With captain Chancel Mbemba leading a settled defence and Yoane Wissa spearheading the attack alongside Cédric Bakambu, DR Congo have shown they are capable of troubling any opponent.
England are favourites on paper, but patience will be essential against a side that rarely gives away clear opportunities. The Three Lions will also need to remain alert against DR Congo's pace on the break, particularly through Wissa, who has emerged as one of the tournament's standout performers.
Victory would move England one step closer to ending decades of World Cup disappointment, while DR Congo have the chance to continue one of the competition's most remarkable underdog stories.
England vs DR Congo Live: DR Congo chase another historic milestone after breakthrough World Cup campaign
DR Congo have already achieved something no previous generation managed by reaching the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup. Their victory over Uzbekistan not only secured qualification but also delivered the nation's first-ever World Cup win.
Now the Congolese have an opportunity to make even more history by eliminating one of football's biggest nations. The squad has shown remarkable resilience despite difficult preparations before the tournament and has embraced the underdog tag.
Regardless of the result, this campaign has already become one of the proudest chapters in the country's football history.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Live: England's defence faces a different kind of challenge against DR Congo
England's backline has looked solid throughout the group stage, but the Round of 32 presents a completely different examination. Rather than facing sustained possession, John Stones, Marc Guéhi and Jordan Pickford must deal with quick transitions and direct attacks from DR Congo.
Sébastien Desabre's side is happy to defend deep before launching rapid counterattacks through Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu. England's full-backs will also need to carefully balance their attacking responsibilities with defensive awareness.
Maintaining concentration for the full 90 minutes could be just as important as England's attacking performance.
England vs DR Congo Live: Why Yoane Wissa could become England's biggest nightmare
While England possess the bigger names, DR Congo have a genuine match-winner in Yoane Wissa. The forward has emerged as one of the standout performers of the tournament, scoring three of his country's four group-stage goals, including two in the historic victory over Uzbekistan.
Wissa's pace, intelligent movement and understanding with Cédric Bakambu make DR Congo extremely dangerous on the counterattack. England are expected to dominate possession, but any careless turnover could allow Wissa the opportunity to punish them.
Thomas Tuchel's defenders will need to remain alert throughout the contest if they are to keep the Congolese attack quiet.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Live: Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham hold the key to England's World Cup ambitions
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham answered questions about their goalscoring form during the group stage by combining for five goals as England topped Group L. Yet the pressure on the duo only increases as the knockout rounds begin.
England have struggled at times to create consistent chances despite dominating possession, and breaking down DR Congo's compact defence will require moments of brilliance.
Kane's movement inside the penalty area and Bellingham's ability to drive through midfield could prove decisive. If England are to progress comfortably, their two biggest stars will need to produce another match-winning performance.
England vs DR Congo Live: How Sébastien Desabre transformed DR Congo into one of the World Cup's toughest teams
Few coaches have had a greater impact on their national team than Sébastien Desabre. Since taking charge, he has built DR Congo into a disciplined and resilient outfit capable of competing against stronger opponents. His side has recorded 29 clean sheets in 57 matches, highlighting the defensive structure that has become its biggest strength.
During the World Cup, Desabre has shown tactical flexibility by switching from his preferred back four to a five-man defence, allowing his players to frustrate technically superior teams. England will face a side that is comfortable without possession and thrives on counterattacks, making this one of the trickiest Round of 32 fixtures.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Live: Three Lions face stubborn opponents in crucial World Cup knockout clash
England begin the knockout phase of the FIFA World Cup 2026 knowing there is little room for error. Thomas Tuchel's side progressed comfortably from Group L with wins over Croatia and Panama before drawing against Ghana to finish top.
However, their performances have not completely convinced critics, particularly in attack. Standing in their way is a DR Congo side making history by reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. Under Sébastien Desabre, the African nation has become one of the tournament's most disciplined teams, combining defensive organisation with dangerous counterattacks.
England remain favourites, but they know one mistake could end their hopes of finally ending a 60-year wait for another World Cup title.
England vs DR Congo Live Score, FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32: England continue their pursuit of FIFA World Cup 2026 glory when they face DR Congo in the Round of 32, with the African side making history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time. Thomas Tuchel's men topped Group L with seven points after victories over Croatia and Panama before a draw against Ghana, while DR Congo battled through a difficult group campaign with a win and a draw.
Sébastien Desabre has transformed DR Congo into one of the tournament's most disciplined teams, building a side renowned for its defensive organisation. The Congolese have kept 29 clean sheets in 57 matches under the French coach and are expected to deploy a compact back five to frustrate England's attacking stars.
England will rely on Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham to unlock a stubborn defence marshalled by captain Chancel Mbemba. DR Congo, meanwhile, possess their own attacking threats through Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu, whose pace on the counterattack could trouble England if given space.
The Three Lions enter the contest as favourites, but questions remain over their creativity despite topping the group. For DR Congo, the match represents another opportunity to extend a fairytale World Cup run and continue rewriting the nation's football history after finally earning their first-ever World Cup victory.
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