- England Face DR Congo as USA Prepare for Biggest World Cup Test
- USA prepare for a historic last 16 match before home fans.
- France and Norway advanced after victories on Tuesday.
England will be aiming to avoid a major upset when they face the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday for a place in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while co hosts the United States prepare for what is being described as the biggest match in the nation’s football history.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Akpabio Makes Demand From Senators Over State Police
- JUST IN: State Police Move Gains Momentum as Tinubu Sends Bill to Senate
- Malami Appears in Court Over ₦8.7bn Trial
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the knockout stage has already produced several surprises, with Paraguay eliminating Germany and Morocco knocking out the Netherlands in penalty shootouts. Those results have served as a warning to England, who are seeking to end their 60 year wait for a major international trophy.
England manager Thomas Tuchel acknowledged his side’s status as favourites but warned against underestimating their African opponents.
“I feel it is a privilege to be in these situations. I think we can just accept it, we are the favourites (against DR Congo),” Tuchel said.
He added, “The games so far in round of 32 speak a very clear language. It’s narrow, narrow margins.”
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 have assembled a squad with strong European roots, with 20 of their 26 players born outside the country. Among them are Yoane Wissa, who plays in the English Premier League, as well as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, both of whom previously represented England at youth level.
DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre insisted the pressure rests entirely on England.
“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 face Bosnia and Herzegovina in a match expected to attract up to 30 million viewers. Midfielder Gio Reyna said a deep run in the tournament could transform the sport in the country.
“Everyone knows in the back of our minds what this could do for this country,” Reyna said.
Elsewhere, Belgium face a difficult challenge against Senegal as their experienced squad looks to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
On Tuesday, Kylian Mbappé scored twice as France defeated Sweden 3-0, while Erling Braut Haaland netted the winner in Norway’s 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast to send his country into the last 16 for the first time.
