# England Clinches Top Spot in Group, Faces DR Congo in World Cup Last 32 *England defeated Panama to clinch top spot in their World Cup group and will face the Democratic Republic of Congo in the last 32, while Portugal was held to a draw by Colombia and will play Croatia.* June 28, 2026 ยท Sports ## At a glance - England defeated Panama 2-0 to top Group L and will face DR Congo in the last 32. - DR Congo reached the knockout rounds for the first time after a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan. - Portugal was held to a 0-0 draw by Colombia and will face Croatia in the last 32. England secured top spot in their World Cup group with a 2-0 win over Panama, setting up a last-32 clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The African team reached the knockout rounds for the first time after a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan. England's Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane scored the goals in a hard-fought match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. England manager Thomas Tuchel expects his team to improve in the knockout phase. ## DR Congo's Historic Achievement The Democratic Republic of Congo made history by advancing to the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time. Their 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in Atlanta saw them finish third in Group K as one of the best third-placed teams. They will now face England in Atlanta on Wednesday. ## Portugal Held by Colombia Portugal was held to a 0-0 draw by Colombia in Miami, a result that means they will face Croatia in the last 32. Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal needed a win to top the group but had to settle for a point after a thrilling match. The draw extinguished Scotland's hopes of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams, leading to the resignation of Scotland manager Steve Clarke. ## Croatia Secures Second Place Croatia made sure of claiming second place in the group behind England with a 2-1 victory over Ghana in Philadelphia. Petar Sucic and Nikola Vlasic scored the goals for Croatia, while Ghana were forced to settle for third place. Croatia will face Portugal in Toronto on Thursday. ## Sources - BSS --- Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/sports/england-tops-group-sets-up-dr-congo-world-cup-clash-portugal-held