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England vs DR Congo Tickets | World Cup Round of 32
England begin their knockout campaign against DR Congo at Atlanta Stadium on July 1, with kickoff at 12 pm ET (noon). As Group L winners and one of the tournament's four top seeds, Thomas Tuchel's side start as strong favorites, with Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka leading a star-studded squad chasing England's first World Cup since 1966. DR Congo, back at a World Cup for the first time since 1974, are one of the feel-good stories of the tournament and will fancy their chances on the counterattack.
Atlanta Stadium, better known as Mercedes-Benz Stadium and home to the NFL's Atlanta Falcons, is one of the most spectacular venues at the tournament, with a striking retractable roof, a vast 360-degree halo video board and a climate-controlled interior seating around 71,000. Set right in downtown Atlanta and unusually well connected by rail, it will also host a semifinal, and should provide a big-stage atmosphere for a Round of 32 tie between a heavyweight and a fearless underdog.
How to Buy Tickets for England vs DR Congo
Demand for World Cup fixtures will be high, and tickets are expected to move quickly once allocations open. In fact, our customer service team regularly hear from fans who want to know: How can I book World Cup tickets? And it can be tricky. Let's walk you through all the steps so you can start thinking about booking your trip to the host cities. And if your team goes all the way, you could be there for the World Cup final.
- Select the match you want to attend and click 'View Tickets'.
- Select the area you would like to sit within the stadium graphic on the right-hand side.
- Select the number of tickets you would like to purchase.
- Click on the green 'Buy' button.
- Complete the order form using your personal details.
- Don't forget to check that all your information has been input and is correct.
- Click 'Make Payment'.
- The tickets are now yours!
Ticket prices tend to vary depending on the seat category and match type, so do bear that in mind when selecting matches. Some games, mainly knockout matches or popular teams, can sell out incredibly quickly, so make sure you book early and are on high alert for when tickets come on sale!
England vs DR Congo Preview & Predictions
England topped Group L with seven points, opening with a thrilling 4–2 win over Croatia before a goalless draw with Ghana and a 2–0 victory over Panama secured top spot. Tuchel's squad is packed with Premier League and European talent in every position, and as one of the favorites for the trophy, they will expect to handle the step up into the knockouts.
DR Congo reached the last 32 the hard way, finishing third in Group K after one of the most demanding qualifying campaigns in football history. The Leopards held Portugal to a 1–1 draw, lost narrowly to Colombia and then came from behind to beat Uzbekistan 3–1, reaching the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time ever. Sébastien Desabre's side are organized, physical and dangerous on the break.
England are clear favorites, with the quality and depth to control the game and create chances against a deep-lying defense. DR Congo's hope lies in their resilience, their threat in transition through Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu, and the chance to frustrate England as they did Portugal. If the Three Lions are patient and precise, they should have too much — but the Leopards have nothing to lose and the talent to punish any complacency.
Key Players to Watch
England are blessed with riches, led by captain Harry Kane, the nation's all-time leading scorer, with Jude Bellingham driving things from midfield and Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden providing flair and goals out wide. Declan Rice anchors the midfield, John Stones and Marc Guéhi marshal the defense, and Jordan Pickford brings experience in goal for a side with match-winners all over the pitch.
DR Congo are led by captain Chancel Mbemba, a commanding center-back and the team's record cap holder, who anchors a disciplined defensive block. Newcastle's Yoane Wissa is their biggest attacking threat, supported by experienced striker Cédric Bakambu, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka offers elite one-on-one defending and Théo Bongonda pace on the counter as the Leopards look to spring a surprise.
Atlanta Stadium – Match Venue
Atlanta Stadium, officially Mercedes-Benz Stadium, will host this Round of 32 tie in downtown Atlanta on July 1. Opened in 2017 and home to the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, it holds around 71,000 and is one of the most striking venues of the tournament, famous for its retractable roof and enormous 360-degree halo video board. Climate-controlled and covered when needed, it will also stage a semifinal later in the tournament.
The stadium has hosted Super Bowl LIII and major college football finals, so it is well used to the big occasion. Sitting right in the heart of downtown Atlanta, it is one of the most accessible venues at the tournament, and with England likely to bring a huge following and a lively neutral crowd, the covered bowl should generate a loud, electric atmosphere.
How to Get to Atlanta Stadium for This Match
Atlanta Stadium is in the heart of downtown Atlanta, making it one of the easiest venues to reach at the tournament. MARTA rail is the simplest option, with the GWCC/CNN Center and Vine City stations right beside the stadium and connections across the city, while Five Points station is a short walk away. Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world's busiest, is around 10 miles south and connected to downtown by a direct MARTA train.
Many fans will be able to walk to the stadium from downtown hotels and the surrounding entertainment district. For those driving, there is parking nearby, though downtown traffic builds heavily on event days, so public transport is strongly recommended. As ever, it's sensible to plan your return in advance and allow time for matchday security checks.
Atlanta Fan Guide for Match Day
Atlanta offers a vibrant backdrop on match day, from the attractions clustered downtown — Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola — to the food, bars and nightlife of districts like Midtown and the BeltLine. With so much within walking distance of the stadium, it's an easy city to enjoy on foot before kickoff.
Expect a huge, vocal England following filling the downtown bars, with DR Congo's passionate diaspora support adding color and noise for a historic occasion. With Atlanta's compact, walkable centre and warm Southern welcome, it's well worth arriving early and making a day of one of the tournament's most accessible host cities.
Road to the Round of 32: England & DR Congo
The two teams reached this stage from very different positions. England won Group L with seven points, beating Croatia 4–2 and Panama 2–0 either side of a goalless draw with Ghana, and go through as one of the tournament favorites and a top seed. Tuchel's side will expect to go deep.
DR Congo made history. After a gruelling qualifying campaign that took them through play-offs against Cameroon, Nigeria and Jamaica, the Leopards held Portugal to a 1–1 draw, lost narrowly to Colombia and beat Uzbekistan 3–1 to finish third in Group K and reach the knockout rounds for the first time in their history — their first World Cup since competing as Zaire in 1974.
It is a classic heavyweight-against-underdog tie. England start as strong favorites and will expect to march on, but DR Congo arrive with belief, a well-drilled defense and genuine threat on the counter, and they will travel to Atlanta determined to add another chapter to a remarkable comeback story.
