World Cup: England set for DR Congo clash as Scotland boss Steve Clarke resigns after exit

England will face DR Congo in the Round of 32 after finishing top of Group L, while Scotland’s World Cup campaign ended in disappointment with manager Steve Clarke resigning shortly after the team’s elimination was confirmed.

England secured first place in the group with a 2-0 victory over Panama, thanks to second-half goals from Jude Bellingham and captain Harry Kane. Croatia claimed second place after defeating Ghana 2-1, while DR Congo booked their place in the knockout rounds as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams following an impressive 3-1 comeback victory over Uzbekistan.

The Three Lions will now meet DR Congo in Atlanta on July 1, with a place in the Round of 16 at stake. England enters the knockout stage as one of the tournament favourites but knows the challenge will become increasingly difficult as the competition progresses.

Elsewhere, Scotland’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage came to an end after results elsewhere went against them. Minutes after their elimination was confirmed, the Scottish Football Association announced that Steve Clarke had stepped down as head coach, ending his seven-year tenure with the national team.

Despite the disappointing exit, Clarke leaves behind an important legacy. Since taking charge in 2019, he guided Scotland back to major international tournaments, including consecutive European Championships and their first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1998. However, the team was unable to advance beyond the group stage in this year’s tournament.

Saturday’s results also completed several other knockout pairings. Croatia joined England from Group L, while Argentina, Austria and Algeria advanced from Group J. Colombia finished top of Group K ahead of Portugal, with both nations securing their places in the Round of 32. DR Congo’s historic qualification adds another exciting storyline as the tournament enters its knockout phase.

With the group stage now complete, all 32 knockout teams have been confirmed. The competition now shifts into its win-or-go-home format, where every match will determine who continues the journey toward lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy.