Panama's group rival England face DR Congo in the last 32

England await DR Congo in the last 32

England 2–0 DR Congo? No, that scoreline does not exist yet. What you need to know: England face DR Congo in the World Cup round of 32 on Wednesday, 1 July 2026 (1) (2). The winner goes through. Your team held England goalless for a full half before Kane and Bellingham broke through after the break in that 2–0 group-stage defeat (1). That same England side now carries the group's banner into the knockout round.

Panama exit with a shutout, not a collapse

England 2–0 Panama on 27 June. That was the score that ended your tournament (1). Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham scored after half-time. For 45 minutes, your defence frustrated a team stacked with Premier League talent, then two moments of quality decided it. Three group-stage defeats, no knockout football, but the back line gave England its toughest half of the group phase.