England are heading to Atlanta, Georgia, for their FIFA World Cup 2026 last-32 clash against DR Congo on Wednesday, with Thomas Tuchel's side carrying momentum after finishing top of Group L.

How England reached the knockout stage

The Three Lions opened their campaign in style in Texas, defeating Croatia 4-2 in Dallas in a second half that had supporters buzzing. A goalless draw with Ghana in Boston followed, before England ground out a 2-0 win over Panama at New York New Jersey Stadium to secure first place in the group.

Atlanta Stadium awaits

The venue for Wednesday's match is Atlanta Stadium, a 75,000-capacity arena that already hosted four group-stage fixtures. Morocco beat Haiti 4-2 there, Spain drew 0-0 with Cape Verde before hammering Saudi Arabia 4-0, and DR Congo themselves claimed a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan at the same ground.

That last result means DR Congo arrive in Atlanta with a familiarity advantage — they have already played in the stadium and know its dimensions and atmosphere. England, by contrast, will be experiencing the venue for the first time.

Temperatures in Atlanta are forecast to reach a sweltering 34 degrees Celsius on matchday, though the stadium's roof and air conditioning system should ease conditions for both sides.

What to expect from DR Congo

DR Congo are expected to follow a similar defensive blueprint to Ghana and Panama — sitting deep, staying compact, and looking to hurt England on the counter-attack. Tuchel's men will need to be patient and clinical if they are to avoid another laboured performance.

A win would set England up for a potential last-16 meeting with co-hosts Mexico or Ecuador at Estadio Azteca — one of football's most iconic venues. Before then, however, the task is to ensure Atlanta Stadium does not produce another goalless stalemate like Spain's draw with Cape Verde.