Thomas Tuchel's England side have navigated the group stage with seven points from three matches – drawing with Ghana, beating Croatia and Panama – to top Group L and secure a place in the knockout rounds. Their reward is a round-of-32 tie against DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday, a team they have never faced before.
The Leopards, ranked 46th in the world, finished third in Group K after a goalless draw with Portugal, a 1-0 loss to Colombia and a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan. They boast Premier League experience in Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa, West Ham defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Burnley centre-back Axel Tuanzebe and Sunderland left-back Arthur Masuaku. DR Congo became the first Sub-Saharan African team to qualify for the World Cup in 1974 (as Zaire) and are now in the knockout stages for the first time.
“England top Group L and face DR Congo in the round of 32, with a potential path via Mexico and Brazil to the final.”
Should England progress, they could face co-hosts Mexico in the last 16 at the 87,500-capacity Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Mexico are one of only three teams to win all three group matches, scoring six goals and conceding none. They have not lost a competitive fixture since a 2-0 defeat by Honduras in November 2024 – a run of 12 matches unbeaten. However, Mexico haven't won a World Cup knockout game since they were last hosts 40 years ago. Their opponent in the round of 32 is Ecuador, who finished third in Group E after a dramatic 2-1 win over Germany. Ecuador haven't conceded more than one goal in any match in over two years, a run stretching 26 games.
If England reach the quarter-finals, they are likely to face five-time winners Brazil in Miami. Carlo Ancelotti's side must first navigate a round-of-32 tie against Japan, then the winner of Norway or the Ivory Coast. England last faced Brazil at the same stage in 2002, losing 2-1. England are on the opposite side of the draw to Spain, France, Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium, giving them a potentially favourable path – but they must win four knockout ties to reach the final.
The Three Lions are aiming for their third major tournament final of the decade. Their journey begins against DR Congo in Atlanta.