Thomas Tuchel's side have navigated the group stage as Group L winners, but the road to the final now passes through Atlanta, where they will face a DR Congo team with Premier League pedigree and history on their side.
England finished top of their group with seven points from three matches, drawing with Ghana and beating Croatia and Panama. It was not always convincing, but it was enough to set up a last-32 tie against the Leopards — the first team from Sub-Saharan Africa to qualify for a World Cup in 1974, when they were known as Zaire, and now competing in the knockout stages for the first time.
“England face DR Congo in the last 32 after winning Group L, with a potential clash against co-hosts Mexico in the last 16.”
DR Congo finished third in Group K, having drawn with Portugal, lost to Colombia and beaten Uzbekistan. They conceded only three goals in the group stage and boast significant Premier League experience: Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa, West Ham defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Burnley centre-back Axel Tuanzebe and Sunderland left-back Arthur Masuaku. Their Africa Cup of Nations campaign ended in the last 16 against Algeria in January.
If England progress, the second knockout round could pit them against co-hosts Mexico, one of only three teams to win all three group-stage matches. Mexico have not lost a competitive fixture since a 2-0 defeat by Honduras in November 2024 — a run of 12 matches unbeaten. They have played all their matches on home soil, and any last-16 game involving them would take place at Mexico City's 87,500-capacity Estadio Azteca, which sits more than 7,000 feet above sea level. The altitude can cause shortness of breath, increased heart rate and fatigue for unacclimatised players.
Before that, Mexico face Ecuador in the last 32. Ecuador finished third in Group E after a dramatic 2-1 win over Germany in their final group match and have not conceded more than one goal in any match in over two years — a run stretching 26 games.
Beyond that, the path grows steeper. Five-time winners Brazil are waiting in the later stages, should England navigate the knockout rounds. For now, Tuchel's men know the immediate hurdle: a DR Congo side hungry to make history, in a tie that will test England's resolve.
If England reach the final, it will be their third major tournament final of the decade. But first they must survive Atlanta.