The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 continues on Wednesday night with two fascinating fixtures as European heavyweights England and Belgium face determined African challengers DR Congo and Senegal respectively.
With a place in the Round of 16 at stake, both matches promise high-quality football, contrasting styles and an opportunity for African football to make another statement on the global stage.
England v DR Congo
England will take on DR Congo at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, with kickoff scheduled for 6pm South African time. The winner will advance to face Mexico in the Round of 16.
England topped Group L after collecting seven points from victories over Ghana and Panama and a draw with Croatia. Under Thomas Tuchel, the Three Lions remain unbeaten in the tournament and are among the favourites to challenge for the title.
DR Congo, meanwhile, are enjoying a historic campaign after reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time. The Leopards qualified as one of the best third-placed teams after drawing with Portugal, losing narrowly to Colombia and defeating Uzbekistan 3-1 in their final group match.
Players to watch
England captain Harry Kane leads the attack after scoring three goals during the group stage, while midfielder Jude Bellingham has been influential with his creativity and control in midfield.
For DR Congo, Yoane Wissa has emerged as the danger man with three goals, accounting for most of his country’s goals in the tournament, while winger Brian Cipenga has impressed with his pace and dribbling ability.
England won the FIFA World Cup in 1966 and have consistently reached the latter stages of major tournaments in recent years. DR Congo, by contrast, are making history by appearing in their first-ever World Cup knockout match.
Belgium v Senegal
The second blockbuster sees Belgium meet Senegal at Seattle Field in Seattle, Washington, with kickoff at 10pm South African time.
Belgium finished top of Group G after an unbeaten campaign that included a convincing 5-1 victory over New Zealand in their final group match. Although the Red Devils started slowly with draws against Egypt and Iran, they found their rhythm when it mattered most.
Senegal progressed as one of the best third-placed teams from a difficult Group I. After defeats to France and Norway, the Lions of Teranga kept their World Cup dream alive with a commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq.
Players to watch
Belgium’s experienced playmaker Kevin De Bruyne remains the creative force in midfield, while striker Romelu Lukaku heads into the knockout stage after scoring two goals in the group phase.
For Senegal, Ismaïla Sarr has been outstanding with three group-stage goals, while midfielder Pape Gueye boosted his confidence with two goals in the win over Iraq. Veteran captain Sadio Mané continues to provide leadership despite not scoring in the group stage.
Belgium’s best FIFA World Cup finish came in 2018, when they claimed third place, while Senegal’s greatest achievement remains their memorable run to the quarter-finals in 2002, becoming only the second African nation at the time to reach the last eight.
With knockout football offering no second chances, England and Belgium will start as favourites on paper.
However, DR Congo and Senegal have already demonstrated resilience and quality throughout the tournament and will be eager to produce another African upset in pursuit of a place in the Round of 16.