WASHINGTON : England will face DR Congo for the first time in an eagerly anticipated clash in Atlanta, with Thomas Tuchel’s side looking to keep their World Cup title hopes alive.

The Three Lions enter the contest as favourites, but their recent record against African opposition has raised questions. England drew with Ghana and lost to Senegal in a friendly, giving DR Congo hope of pulling off a major shock.

According to Opta’s pre-match simulations, England have a 73.9 per cent chance of winning inside 90 minutes, compared with DR Congo’s 11.3 per cent. The probability of a draw stands at 14.8 per cent, while England are given an overall 82 per cent chance of reaching the Round of 16.

Belgium will meanwhile take on Senegal in Seattle in another high-stakes knockout tie. The Red Devils have lost only once in six World Cup meetings against African teams, although that defeat came against Morocco during the 2022 group stage.

Senegal, however, will be determined to reverse their difficult record against European opponents, having lost each of their last four World Cup matches against UEFA sides after winning three and drawing one of their first five.

Opta’s supercomputer gives Belgium a 45.6 per cent chance of winning within 90 minutes, while Senegal has been handed a 27 per cent chance. The likelihood of a draw stands at 27.4 per cent.

The United States will also be in action against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara. The Americans are unbeaten in their previous three meetings with Bosnia and Herzegovina, winning two and drawing one, although all three encounters came in international friendlies between 2013 and 2021.

Despite their strong head-to-head record, the USA will be wary of their struggles against European opposition at the World Cup. The co-hosts have won only one of their last 21 tournament matches against UEFA nations, with that lone victory coming against Portugal in 2002.

Still, the United States enter the tie as clear favourites. Opta’s simulations give the Americans a 67.5 per cent chance of winning in 90 minutes, compared with 14.3 per cent for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The USA have a 76.6 per cent overall chance of progressing to the last 16.

The knockout bracket has already delivered shocks and drama, with several teams securing their places in the Round of 16. Canada edged South Africa 1-0, Brazil defeated Japan 2-1, while Paraguay stunned Germany on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Morocco also knocked out the Netherlands on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

Norway overcame Ivory Coast 2-1, France eased past Sweden with a 3-0 victory, and Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 to seal their place in the next round.

Argentina’s meeting with World Cup newcomers Cape Verde is scheduled later in the Round of 32 programme, as the defending champions prepare for a tricky test against one of the tournament’s surprise packages.

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