Much was expected of England prior to the World Cup 2026 and despite some lacklustre displays, Thomas Tuchel's side still ended up finishing topping their group unbeaten. Now, there is no room for error against DR Congo, whose low-block tactics seem to be the Three Lions' kryptonite.
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Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host the first-ever meeting between two sides that started the tournament with contrasting ambitions. England were determined to finally end their 60-year wait for another major men's title, while DR Congo were bidding to erase the memory of their only other World Cup appearance in 1974, as Zaire.
The Leopards have done just that by reaching the knockout stages after taking four points from games against Portugal and Uzbekistan. Those results proved they are no pushovers and they’ll fully believe they can extend their stay in North America.
Since beating Croatia 4-2, England have struggled against deep-lying defences. After a goalless draw with Ghana, they looked out of sorts for an hour against Panama until Jude Bellingham provided the spark, with a goal and assist in a 2-0 win.
Thus far, only Ghana have averaged less possession than DR Congo, who will again deploy a low block and look to counter England's porous defence at pace.
Read on as FourFourTwo brings you all the information you need to watch England vs DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup 2026 online, on TV, and from anywhere.
Watch England vs DR Congo for FREE
England vs DR Congo will be free-to-stream across multiple regions, including BBC in the UK, RTÉ Player in Ireland, SBS On Demand in Australia, CazéTV on YouTube in Brazil, NOS in the Netherlands, RTBF/VRT in Belgium, SRF/RTS/RSI in Switzerland, and TRT in Turkey.
English commentary will be provided on BBC, RTE Player and SBS On Demand.
‼️ Outside one of these countries? Use Norton VPN to unlock your stream from anywhere in the world — more on that below.
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How to watch England vs DR Congo in the UK
In the UK, you can stream England vs DR Congo on BBC. The build-up starts at 4.00pm BST, ahead of the kick-off at 5:00pm BST.
How to watch England vs DR Congo in the US
In the US, you can stream England vs DR Congo on Fox.
This channel is accessible via Fox's own streaming platform Fox One or via a cord-cutting platform such as YouTube TV, Hulu+Live TV, Sling (select markets), Fubo or DirecTV.
How to watch England vs DR Congo in Australia
In Australia, you can watch England vs DR Congo on the free SBS On Demand.
England vs DR Congo: World Cup 2026 Preview
Seven points from a group containing Croatia, Ghana and Panama was a good return for England but the manner of the performances has led to plenty of questions over the makeup of Tuchel's squad. The Three Lions have been exposed defensively and there's been a lack of creativity.
With question marks over the fitness of Reece James and now an injury to Jarell Quansah, they also look light at right-back. Panama created plenty of chances and a better side would almost certainly have punished England.
Nevertheless, there are positives, specifically in the form of world-class operators Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. The group-stage game-changers will be pivotal if their side are to progress to the last 16.
DR Congo will certainly give the duo plenty of attention and will rely on their defensive solidity to frustrate their opponents. The Leopards have kept an impressive 29 clean sheets in 57 games under Sebastien Desabre, albeit none yet this tournament.
Having seen how much England struggled to create against a Ghana's rigid low block, DR Congo will attempt to replicate that defensive display while offering more in attack.
Their counter-attacking speed could pose problems, particularly as Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa are adept at timing runs behind opposition defences. Newcastle forward Wissa already has three goals to his name, and will be confident of exposing any holes in the England defence.
FourFourTwo's prediction
England 3-1 DR Congo
FourFourTwo predicts England to click into gear and seal a place in the last 16 with a deserved victory.
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