2026 FIFA World Cup enters another decisive phase on Wednesday as England national football team face Democratic Republic of the Congo national football team for a place in the Round of 16, while co-hosts United States men’s national soccer team prepare for a high-stakes clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team.
The knockout stage has already delivered major surprises after Germany national football team and Netherlands national football team exited following penalty defeats to Paraguay national football team and Morocco national football team respectively.
England eye progression
England head into their clash in Atlanta hoping to avoid becoming another casualty and continue their pursuit of a first major international title in six decades.
Head coach Thomas Tuchel admitted his side enters as favourites but warned that recent knockout results show there is little margin for error.
England are expected to rely heavily on Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, while defender Reece James is unavailable through injury.
DR Congo, meanwhile, have built a globally sourced squad featuring players with Congolese heritage across Europe. Among them are Yoane Wissa, along with defenders Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe.
Coach Sebastien Desabre said expectations remain firmly on England, stressing that reaching this stage already represents success for his side.
USA seek defining World Cup moment
Attention will also turn to the co-host nation as the United States target what could become one of the biggest moments in the country’s football history.
With expectations of up to 30 million viewers, the Americans hope to record their first World Cup knockout victory in nearly 25 years.
Midfielder Gio Reyna said players are aware of the wider impact a strong tournament run could have on football’s growth in the country.
The team will again look to captain Christian Pulisic for inspiration.
Elsewhere at the tournament
Elsewhere, Belgium national football team face a stern challenge against Senegal national football team as questions continue over Belgium’s ageing generation led by Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.
On Tuesday, France national football team eased past Sweden national football team 3–0, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice to move to six goals in the tournament.
France’s players dedicated part of the performance to coach Didier Deschamps following the recent death of his mother.
Meanwhile, Erling Haaland scored the decisive goal as Norway national football team defeated Ivory Coast national football team 2–1 to reach the last 16.
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