England face DR Congo as World Cup last-32 fixtures confirmed after group stage

England will face DR Congo on Wednesday at 5pm in the first knockout round of the 2026 World Cup after Thomas Tuchel’s side secured top spot in their group with a victory over Panama on Saturday. The last-32 draw is now complete following the conclusion of the group stage in the early hours of Sunday morning, with 32 of the original 48 teams advancing.

Scotland, however, are heading home. A 1-0 opening win over Haiti was not enough to offset defeats to Morocco and Brazil, and their three-point tally with a minus-three goal difference left them short of the knockout round.

Three nations finished the group stage with a perfect nine points from nine. France, pre-tournament favourites under Didier Deschamps, came through a demanding group and will now face Sweden. Argentina, also unbeaten, take on surprise package Cape Verde, while Mexico — the third side with a 100 per cent record — meet Ecuador.

All three co-hosts progressed. The USA topped their group and face Bosnia-Herzegovina, Canada finished second behind Switzerland and open the last-32 against South Africa, while the host nation’s third representative also advanced.

Brazil won two and drew one to set up a tie with Japan, and Spain face Austria. The Netherlands were among the more convincing group-stage performers, while Germany sealed top spot with a game to spare. Portugal, less convincing in finishing second behind Colombia, face Croatia with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line.

Erling Haaland’s Norway, widely tipped as dark horses, face the Ivory Coast — one of several sides to have reached the knockout stages for the first time in their history.

Full last-32 fixtures (UK kick-off times)

Canada vs South Africa — tonight, 8pm

Brazil vs Japan — Monday, 6pm

Germany vs Paraguay — Monday, 9.30pm

Netherlands vs Morocco — Tuesday, 2am

Ivory Coast vs Norway — Tuesday, 6pm

France vs Sweden — Tuesday, 10pm

Mexico vs Ecuador — Wednesday, 2am

England vs DR Congo — Wednesday, 5pm

Belgium vs Senegal — Wednesday, 9pm

USA vs Bosnia-Herzegovina — Thursday, 1am

Spain vs Austria — Thursday, 8pm

Portugal vs Croatia — Friday, 12 midnight

Switzerland vs Algeria — Friday, 4am

Australia vs Egypt — Friday, 7pm

Argentina vs Cape Verde — Friday, 11pm