World Cup 32: DR Congo set for England clash in Round of 32 after Uzbekistan upset

DR Congo have booked a place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will face England after a spirited group-stage campaign concluded with a statement victory over Uzbekistan.

The Central African side stunned Uzbekistan 3-1 in their final Group K fixture on Saturday night, a result that sealed their progression into the knockout phase and underlined their growing confidence on the global stage.

Their reward is a high-profile encounter against England, scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, at the Atlanta Stadium. Kick-off is set for 16:00 GMT.

The fixture presents one of the standout ties of the Round of 32, pitting DR Congo’s momentum and physical intensity against an England side widely expected to mount a deep run in the tournament.

England, meanwhile, progress as Group L contenders into the knockout rounds, setting up what is expected to be a tightly contested meeting against a DR Congo team buoyed by their recent form and belief after a breakthrough group-stage performance.

With a place in the Round of 16 at stake, attention now turns to Atlanta, where DR Congo will look to extend their historic run, while England aim to assert their pedigree on the world stage.