Is England vs DR Congo on TV? Channel, Kick-off Time, Predicted Line Ups & How to Watch Live Stream & Bet on World Cup 2026 Matches
Mark Strijbosch
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England topped Group L and remain among the World Cup favourites, but Thomas Tuchel knows the knockout stage has little patience for another sluggish start.
The Three Lions face DR Congo in the Round of 32 tonight, with a place in the last 16 and a meeting with Mexico awaiting the winners. England finished with seven points from their three group games, opening with a thrilling 4-2 win over Croatia before drawing 0-0 with Ghana and labouring past Panama 2-0.
DR Congo arrive with far less pressure and plenty of belief. Sébastien Desabre’s side drew with Portugal, lost narrowly to Colombia and then secured a historic first World Cup knockout place by beating Uzbekistan 3-1. Yoane Wissa was on target in that crucial victory and leads a fast, physical attack alongside the experienced Cédric Bakambu.
England have the greater depth, of course, with Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford all competing for places. But injuries to Reece James and Jarell Quansah have left Tuchel short at right-back, while Declan Rice is expected to return after being rested against Panama.
DR Congo are likely to sit deep, stay compact and look for their moments on the break. England have the quality to win, but they will need to move the ball quicker than they did in the group stage. This is not a night for late half-time fixes.
Here is everything you need to know.
What time is England vs DR Congo
England play DR Congo this evening, Wednesday 1st July, with kick-off scheduled for 5pm BST.
How can I watch England vs DR Congo?
England vs DR Congo will be shown live in the UK on ITV1 and ITVX.
You can also view all 104 World Cup 2026 matches online with LiveScore Bet, where you will have access to live match stats and the latest in-play odds.
All you need is a LiveScore Bet account and one of the following:
A funded account
An unused free bet
A live open bet
See below for LiveScore Bet's betting offers for new and existing customers.
You can also follow England v DR Congo on livescore.com and listen to live commentary using the LiveScore app from 5:00PM BST.
When do the line-ups go live?
The official teams will be confirmed at approximately 15:45 BST, 75 minutes before kick-off.
Head to the official LiveScore app or website to see the confirmed line-ups as soon as they are released.
England vs DR Congo team news
England’s right-back problem has turned into a proper headache ahead of the knockout stage.
Reece James remains sidelined with the hamstring injury suffered against Ghana, while Jarell Quansah has also been ruled out after picking up an ankle issue in the win over Panama. That leaves Djed Spence set for a big opportunity on the right of the back four.
Declan Rice is expected to return after being rested for the final group game, which should allow Jude Bellingham to move back into his preferred No 10 role. Thomas Tuchel must then decide whether to go with Bukayo Saka or Noni Madueke on the right, while Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon are competing for the left-wing spot.
DR Congo have reported no fresh injury concerns. Sébastien Desabre is expected to stay with the compact five-man defence that frustrated Portugal and Colombia during the group stage, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Arthur Masuaku providing the width.
Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu should lead the line again. They will not see much of the ball, but England will know exactly how dangerous they can be once the space opens up.
England vs DR Congo predicted line-ups
England XI: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.
DR Congo XI: Nzau; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Kapuadi, Masuaku; Sadiki, Moutoussamy, Kayembe; Wissa, Bakambu.
Today’s World Cup Match Schedule
There are three matches available to watch and bet on tonight.
Fixture | Time in BST | Date |
|---|---|---|
England v DR Congo | 17:00 | 1/07/2026 |
Belgium v Senegal | 21:00 | 1/07/2026 |
USA v Bosnia and Herzegovina | 01:00 | 2/07/2026* |
*Match to be played overnight in the UK.
