England vs DR Congo FIFA WC 2026: Kick-off time, live streaming, squads
Synopsis
England and DR Congo meet in a historic FIFA World Cup 2026 round-of-32 clash at Atlanta Stadium on 1 July. Harry Kane is already England's all-time leading men's World Cup scorer, while DR Congo — in their first-ever knockout stage — arrive on the back of a stunning comeback win. Kick-off is 9:30 PM IST, live on Zee5 and Unite8 Sports.
Key Takeaways
England face DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 32 at Atlanta Stadium on 1 July 2026 at 9:30 PM IST .
Harry Kane became England's all-time leading men's World Cup goalscorer during the 2-0 win over Panama.
DR Congo are making their first-ever knockout-stage appearance under their current national identity.
Yoane Wissa scored a match-winning brace in DR Congo's comeback win over Uzbekistan in the group stage.
Live streaming in India on Zee5 (subscription required); live telecast on Unite8 Sports 1 , Unite8 Sports 1 HD , Unite8 Sports 2 , and Unite8 Sports 2 HD .
Referee: Adham Makhadmeh .
England face DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 32 at Atlanta Stadium, Georgia on Wednesday, 1 July, with kick-off set for 9:30 PM IST. Thomas Tuchel's side enter the knockout stage as favourites, having topped Group L unbeaten, but with questions still lingering over their consistency.
England's Route to the Last 32
The Three Lions sealed top spot in Group L with a controlled 2-0 win over Panama in their final group fixture. Harry Kane broke the deadlock to become England's all-time leading men's World Cup goalscorer, before Jude Bellingham added a second after the interval.
Despite the clean passage, England have yet to produce a complete 90-minute performance on US soil. Tuchel, however, remains unbeaten since taking charge, and the squad's defensive solidity and attacking depth continue to mark them out as serious contenders for the title.
DR Congo's Historic Knockout Debut
DR Congo arrive at Atlanta Stadium on the back of a landmark achievement — their first knockout-stage appearance under their current national identity. Sebastien Desabre's side advanced as the highest-ranked third-placed team in the group stage after a memorable comeback against Uzbekistan.
Striker Yoane Wissa delivered a match-winning brace in that contest, underlining the Leopards' attacking threat, while Fiston Mayele also played a significant role in the recovery. The freedom of low external expectation, combined with proven resilience, makes DR Congo a potentially dangerous opponent for any side.
Key Match Details
Date: Wednesday, 1 July 2026
Kick-off: 9:30 PM IST
Venue: Atlanta Stadium, Georgia, USA
Referee: Adham Makhadmeh
How to Watch Live in India
Indian viewers can catch the match via live streaming on Zee5 (subscription required). Live telecast will be available on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels.
Full Squads
England: Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford. Defenders: Ezri Konsa, Nico O'Reilly, John Stones, Marc Guéhi, Tino Livramento, Dan Burn, Reece James, Djed Spence, Jarell Quansah. Midfielders: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze. Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, Ollie Watkins, Noni Madueke, Ivan Toney.
DR Congo: Goalkeepers: Timothy Fayulu, Lionel Mpasi, Mike Epolo. Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Gedeon Kalulu, Joris Kayembe, Arthur Masuaku, Steve Kapuadi, Rocky Bushiri, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Dylan Batubinsika. Midfielders: Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Nathan Mukau, Charles Pickel, Ngal'ayel Mukau Mbuku, Brian Cipenga, Theo Bongonda, Gael Kakuta. Forwards: Meschack Elia, Fiston Mayele, Cedric Bakambu, Simon Banza, Yoane Wissa.
England's superior squad depth and tournament pedigree make them favourites to advance, but DR Congo's proven ability to defy expectations means the Leopards cannot be taken lightly heading into the last 32.
Point of View
By contrast, carry the weight of expectation and a fanbase that has waited decades. If Kane and Bellingham do not fire early, Atlanta could produce the tournament's first major upset.
NationPress
30 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the England vs DR Congo FIFA World Cup 2026 match?
The match is scheduled for Wednesday, 1 July 2026, at 9:30 PM IST at Atlanta Stadium, Georgia, USA. It is a round-of-32 knockout fixture in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
How can Indian fans watch England vs DR Congo live?
Indian viewers can stream the match live on the Zee5 platform and app (subscription required). Live telecast is available on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels.
How did England qualify for the round of 32?
England topped Group L unbeaten, sealing first place with a 2-0 win over Panama. Harry Kane scored to become England's all-time leading men's World Cup goalscorer, with Jude Bellingham adding the second goal.
How did DR Congo reach the knockout stage?
DR Congo advanced as the highest-ranked third-placed team in the group stage, recovering from an early setback against Uzbekistan in a memorable comeback. Yoane Wissa scored a match-winning brace, and Fiston Mayele also played a key role. It is the nation's first-ever knockout-stage appearance under their current identity.
Who is the referee for England vs DR Congo?
The match will be officiated by referee Adham Makhadmeh.
