Khel Now logo
HomeSportsFIFA WORLD CUP 2026Live Cricket Score
Advertisement

FIFA World Cup

Will Bukayo Saka play tonight for England vs DR Congo in FIFA World Cup round of 32?

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.
Published at :July 1, 2026 at 3:59 PM
Modified at :July 1, 2026 at 3:59 PM
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 27: Bukayo Saka #7 of England inspects the pitch before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between Panama and England at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 27, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

Saka has been dealing with a fitness issue.

England’s FIFA World Cup 2026 credentials will undoubtedly be called into question. They meet DR Congo at Pista Mercedes-Benz in Atlanta, Georgia, tonight.

It is the first encounter between the two teams. England begin as heavy favourites. They were placed first in Group L after defeating tough Panama in the second half of a 2-0 triumph in New Jersey last weekend.

They will most certainly face a difficult test against DR Congo, who are through to the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in just their second finals appearance. Also the first since DR Congo participated as Zaire in West Germany in 1974, going winless and losing 9-0 to Yugoslavia.

Will Bukayo Saka play tonight?

Bukayo Saka Arsenal FC
Bukayo Saka of Arsenal (Courtesy: Getty)

Bukayo Saka is anticipated to start or come off the bench for England’s FIFA World Cup Round of 32 encounter against the Democratic Republic of the Congo tonight.

Saka, who was nursing an Achilles injury after a tough season with Arsenal, came in as a substitute in England’s first two Group L games, a 4-2 victory over Croatia and a 0-0 draw against Ghana.

Because he has a chronic Achilles condition, his minutes are often limited. He may not play the entire 90 minutes here.

Bukayo Saka has proven England manager Thomas Tuchel correct, albeit in a negative sense. Saka has continued to remain unfit, which has held him back from performing at his top level.

Saka underwent a hamstring operation in January. His return has not been easy, especially in the World Cup. The winger has had an extremely hectic season at Arsenal, with little break between a league title-winning campaign and a Champions League final appearance.

Will Bukayo Saka play tonight?

He might come off the bench as he is dealing with a fitness issue.

What time does England play DR Congo?

The game will start at 9:30 pm IST today.

Where will the game be played?

Pista Mercedes-Benz in Atlanta, Georgia.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.

Rajarshi Shukla
Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.