World Cup: England battle DR Congo as USA target Round of 16 spot

England will face the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday for a place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while co-hosts the United States take on Bosnia-Herzegovina in what is being billed as one of the biggest matches in the country’s football history.

With Germany and the Netherlands already eliminated after penalty shootout defeats to Paraguay and Morocco respectively, England will be keen to avoid a similar upset.

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Three Lions coach Thomas Tuchel acknowledged his side’s status as favourites but warned against underestimating DR Congo.

“I think we can accept that we are the favourites, but the Round of 32 has shown how fine the margins are,” Tuchel said.

England will look to key players Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane for inspiration, although defender Reece James will miss the match through injury.

DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre insisted the pressure rests on England, saying his team’s World Cup campaign had already exceeded expectations.

“Our World Cup is already a success relative to our goals. The pressure is on the England team,” he said.

Meanwhile, the United States will hope home support can inspire them to a first World Cup knockout victory in nearly 25 years when they face Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Midfielder Gio Reyna said a deep run in the tournament could transform football’s popularity in the country.

Elsewhere, Belgium’s experienced squad will take on Senegal in Seattle as they seek to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

On Tuesday, France advanced to the Round of 16 with a 3-0 victory over Sweden, inspired by Kylian Mbappe’s brace, while Erling Haaland scored the late winner as Norway defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 to reach the knockout stage for the first time.