Sports
World Cup: England face DR Congo as USA chase historic knockout victory
England will look to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup last 16 when they take on the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday, while co-hosts the United States aim to make history with a knockout-stage win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Despite being considered favourites, England head coach Thomas Tuchel has warned his players against underestimating DR Congo, noting that several top teams have already suffered surprise exits in the tournament.
England are expected to rely on key players including Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, although defender Reece James is unavailable due to injury.
DR Congo, whose squad features several players born outside the country, enter the contest with confidence after exceeding expectations by reaching the knockout stage. Head coach Sébastien Desabre said the pressure rests on England, insisting his side has already surpassed its initial target.
In the other headline fixture, the United States face Bosnia and Herzegovina in what many consider one of the biggest matches in the country's football history. Led by Christian Pulisic, the hosts are hoping to record their first World Cup knockout victory in nearly 25 years and further boost the sport's growing popularity across the nation.
Elsewhere, Belgium's experienced squad will take on Senegal in another last-32 encounter as they seek to keep their World Cup campaign alive.
On Tuesday, Kylian Mbappé scored twice in France's 3-0 victory over Sweden to move level with Lionel Messi as the tournament's joint-leading scorer. Norway also reached the last 16 after Erling Haaland netted the decisive goal in a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast.
