England vs. DR Congo: Mondiali 2026 Preview – Kickoff, Probable Lineups & Where to Watch
June 11, 2026
England open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on June 12 against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in a Group B match at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:00 AM local time (4:00 PM UTC), with Gareth Southgate’s side looking to start their title defense on firm footing. Here’s what you need to know about the matchup, probable lineups, and how to follow the action.
When, Where & How to Watch England vs. DR Congo
Date & Time: June 12, 2026 – 11:00 AM CDT (4:00 PM UTC)
Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas (capacity: 80,000)
Television: Coverage in the U.S. will air on Fox, Telemundo, and Univision. International broadcasts vary by region; check FIFA’s official broadcasting page for details.
Streaming: Available on Fox’s streaming platforms, including Tubi and Peacock (U.S. only). Outside the U.S., rights holders include Sky (UK), Canal+ (France), and DAZN (Germany).
AT&T Stadium, home to the Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta United, will host its first World Cup match. The venue’s retractable roof and state-of-the-art facilities have made it a favorite for major sporting events, including Super Bowls and NFL games.
England’s Tactical Challenges & DR Congo’s Strengths
Southgate’s England will need to balance attack and defense against a DR Congo side that has shown resilience in recent qualifiers. According to FIFA’s official team profiles, DR Congo boasts a strong midfield led by Bafétimbi Gomis and Denis Makengo, who will test England’s defensive shape.
England’s 4-3-3 formation remains likely, with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham as focal points. Southgate may deploy a double pivot of Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips to counter DR Congo’s direct play. “We’ll need to be compact and disciplined,” Southgate said during a pre-tournament press conference. “Their wingers can stretch play, so we’ll need to be quick in transition.”
DR Congo, meanwhile, will rely on quick counterattacks and set-piece threats. Their squad includes experienced campaigners like Christian Atsu, who will look to replicate his 2019 Africa Cup of Nations heroics.
Probable Lineups: England vs. DR Congo
| Position | England | DR Congo |
|---|---|---|
| GK | Jordan Pickford | Koffi Djordji |
| DEF | Luke Shaw, John Stones, Reece James, Kyle Walker | Jean-Clair Tisserand, Zinho Vanheusden, Dieumerci Mbokani, Christopher Boli |
| MID | Declan Rice, Kalvin Phillips, Cole Palmer | Bafétimbi Gomis, Denis Makengo, Jordan Ayew |
| FW | Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Phil Foden | Christian Atsu, Fabrice Neto, Jordan Mubele |
Note: These are projected lineups based on recent form and squad depth. Injuries or tactical adjustments could alter formations. England’s official squad list remains final.
England vs. DR Congo: A Rare Clash
This will be England’s first-ever meeting with DR Congo at the World Cup. The two nations have never faced each other in competitive football, making this matchup a fascinating introduction for both sides.
DR Congo, ranked #55 in FIFA’s June 2026 rankings, qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1974. Their campaign has been marked by resilience, with wins over Egypt and Uganda in the final qualifying stages. “We’re here to prove ourselves,” said DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre in a post-qualification interview. “This is a historic moment for our nation.”
England, meanwhile, enters the tournament as reigning champions after their 2022 victory in Qatar. Their path to the final was marked by dramatic comebacks, including a penalty shootout win over France in the semifinals. Southgate’s side will look to build on that momentum in Texas.
3 Storylines to Watch in England’s Opener
- Bellingham’s Leadership: At 21, Jude Bellingham will captain England for the first time in this match. His ability to control midfield and link play will be critical against DR Congo’s direct approach.
- DR Congo’s Set-Pieces: With Christian Atsu and Fabrice Neto as primary targets, England’s defense must stay alert. DR Congo scored 12 goals from set-pieces in qualifying, per Transfermarkt stats.
- Southgate’s System: The manager has experimented with three-at-the-back in recent friendlies. If he deploys it here, Reece James and Kyle Walker will need to adapt quickly to DR Congo’s pace.
England’s World Cup Schedule After DR Congo
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Time (UTC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 17 | Serbia | AT&T Stadium, Arlington | 4:00 PM |
| June 22 | Slovenia | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford | 4:00 PM |
England’s Group B rivals include Serbia (June 17) and Slovenia (June 22). A win against DR Congo would put pressure on Serbia, who face Switzerland in their opener.
How Fans Can Follow the Match
Fans in the U.S. can catch up on pre-match analysis on Fox Sports and The FA’s official site. International viewers should check their local broadcasters for live updates and commentary.
For those traveling to Arlington, AT&T Stadium offers fan zones with live screenings and interactive experiences. Security measures will be in place, with ticket holders advised to arrive early.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: Will this be England’s first World Cup match in the U.S.?
A: Yes. England have never played a World Cup match in the U.S., though they have faced the U.S. in friendlies, including a 1-1 draw in 2022.
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Q: How does DR Congo’s squad compare to past African World Cup teams?
A: DR Congo’s squad is one of the most experienced African teams at this tournament, with players like Atsu (34) and Mbokani (35) providing leadership. Their average age of 27 is higher than many African sides, per FIFA data.
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Q: What are the weather conditions in Arlington for June?
A: June in Arlington typically sees temperatures between 75–90°F (24–32°C), with low humidity. The retractable roof at AT&T Stadium ensures play won’t be affected by rain.
Next Steps: England’s World Cup Journey
England’s opener against DR Congo sets the tone for their 2026 campaign. With a mix of youth and experience, Southgate’s side will look to build on their 2022 success while adapting to the expanded 48-team format. The next match against Serbia on June 17 could determine whether England advance smoothly or face early pressure.
For live updates, follow The FA and FIFA’s official pages. Share your predictions in the comments below—will England start with a win, or will DR Congo provide an upset?
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