Where to watch England's World Cup Match on Wednesday
England's next World Cup match is this Wednesday, with a 5pm kick-off. Watch it on BBC One or iPlayer.
Where to watch England vs DR Congo: TV channel, kick-off time and how to watch the World Cup 2026 last-32 clash live
England’s FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout campaign begins on Wednesday as the Three Lions take on DR Congo in the Round of 32 – and fans can watch every minute live and free on the BBC.
Here’s everything you need to know before kick-off:
Match: England vs Democratic Republic of Congo
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32
Date: Wednesday 1 July
Kick-off: 5pm BST
Watch live: BBC One and BBC iPlayer (including UHD)
Listen live: BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds
Follow online: BBC Sport website, app, YouTube and social channels
Unlike many World Cup fixtures taking place across different time zones, England’s first knockout match is perfectly timed for UK viewers, with a family-friendly 5pm kick-off allowing fans to enjoy the action without a late night.
How to watch England vs DR Congo live
BBC One will broadcast England’s Round of 32 clash live, with simultaneous coverage available on BBC iPlayer in Ultra HD for supported devices. Viewers can also add the FIFA World Cup 2026 to their iPlayer Watchlist, making it even easier to follow the tournament as the knockout stages unfold.
For those away from a television, live radio commentary will be available throughout on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds.
Follow every moment online
BBC Sport will also provide comprehensive digital coverage before, during and after the match.
Fans can follow live text commentary, breaking news, expert analysis, in-game clips and instant reaction via the BBC Sport website and app, while build-up and the opening ten minutes of England’s match will also be streamed on the BBC Football YouTube and TikTok channels.
For the first time at a major tournament, supporters can also join BBC Sport’s live comments feature, allowing fans to discuss every key moment as it happens.
A new way to experience the World Cup
BBC Sport has introduced an interactive 3D match experience for every live World Cup game shown on BBC television.
The second-screen feature gives viewers the chance to analyse matches in greater detail, allowing them to switch camera angles, rewind key moments, explore tactical formations and follow player movement throughout the game.
More World Cup knockout action on the BBC
England are just one of several heavyweight nations featuring on BBC Sport during the Round of 32.
The broadcaster will also show:
Germany vs Paraguay
Spain vs Austria
Norway, led by Erling Haaland, against Ivory Coast
Portugal vs Croatia in a Cristiano Ronaldo versus Luka Modrić showdown
Egypt, featuring Mohamed Salah, against Australia
Every match will be supported by live commentary, expert analysis, pitch-side reporting and comprehensive coverage across BBC television, radio and digital platforms.
For fans unable to watch overnight fixtures live, spoiler-free highlights will be available every morning on BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport app and the BBC Football YouTube channel.
With England’s World Cup hopes on the line and a place in the last 16 at stake, Wednesday’s clash promises to be one of the biggest sporting events of the week—and UK viewers can watch it all unfold live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 5pm BST.
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