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Who will England play next in the World Cup?

BBC Published Jun 28, 2026 Reviewed Jul 1, 2026 ✓ Reviewed by citations.press editors
Citation-ready fact
England defeated Panama 2-0 in New Jersey on Saturday.
2 · England goals0 · Panama goals
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DR Congo have 29 clean sheets over 57 games under manager Sébastien Desabre.
29 · clean sheets57 · games
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Yoane Wissa was the joint top-scoring African player in the World Cup group stage with three goals.
3 · goals
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England will face Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday in Atlanta.
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DR Congo are in their first World Cup in 52 years.
52 · years since last World Cup
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Cedric Bakambu scored four times in the World Cup qualifiers.
4 · goals
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The England vs DR Congo match will be live at 5pm GMT on Wednesday, with coverage starting at 4pm.
5 pm GMT · match start4 pm · coverage start
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Goal scorers Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham celebrate together at the game against Panama that ended 2-0 to England

After beating Panama 2-0 in New Jersey on Saturday, with goals from Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, England are through to the last 32 teams in the World Cup.

Thomas Tuchel's side will now face Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday in Atlanta.

The central African team are in their first World Cup in 52 years and it will be the first-ever meeting between the two sides.

The team has only played in the World Cup once before – in 1974 when they lost all three group games without scoring.

A key strength is DR Congo's defence - the team have 29 clean sheets, meaning they've not let in any goals over 57 games under manager Sébastien Desabre.

The Leopards, as they are known, have plenty of Premier League experience.

Newcastle centre forward Yoane Wissa was joint top-scoring African player in the World Cup group stage, with three goals, and is someone England's defence need to watch out for.

Alongside Wissa are West Ham defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Burnley centre-back Axel Tuanzebe and Sunderland left-back Arthur Masuaku.

Cedric Bakambu, at 35 years old, is their oldest player - but he's still a threat - scoring four times in the World Cup qualifiers and is about to become the country's record goalscorer.

If you're watching the match you may spot DR Congo's superfan who stands completely still in a colourful suit, with one arm raised in salute, throughout all DRC's matches.

Michel Kuka Mboladinga went viral during the Africa Cup of Nations for his tribute to Patrice Lumumba, Congo's first prime minister.

The match will be live at 5pm GMT on Wednesday, with coverage from 4pm, on BBC One and iPlayer.

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