England will face one of Africa's underdog teams, DR Congo, in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 today. The Congolese side has reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in their history after developing into a disciplined and well-organized team under head coach Sébastien Desabre.
DR Congo earned their place in the knockout rounds the hard way, recording one win and one draw during the group stage. Despite facing challenges in their preparations due to the Ebola outbreak in their country before the tournament, the Leopards showed remarkable determination and resilience.
Their hard work paid off when Yoane Wissa scored twice in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Uzbekistan, securing DR Congo's first-ever FIFA World Cup win and a historic place in the Round of 32.
England, meanwhile, continue their quest to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they take on the tournament debutants in the knockout stage.
The Three Lions comfortably qualified for the Round of 32 after finishing top of Group L with seven points. They defeated Croatia and Panama before settling for a tactical draw against Ghana in their final group game.
England finished the group stage strongly, with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane rediscovering their goalscoring form to help Thomas Tuchel's side finish as group winners.
Tactical Analysis
Tactics are expected to play a major role in this encounter.
Since taking charge, Sébastien Desabre has built DR Congo into one of Africa's most disciplined defensive teams. His side has kept 29 clean sheets in 57 matches, highlighting their defensive organization.
Although Desabre usually prefers a back four, he has switched to a five-man defense during this tournament to frustrate stronger European opponents. DR Congo are expected to adopt a compact low-block defensive system against England, limiting space for the Three Lions' creative players while looking to strike quickly on the counterattack.
England will need to dominate possession and avoid unnecessary mistakes, as DR Congo's attackers are capable of exploiting turnovers with their pace.
Key Players to Watch
DR Congo's attack revolves around the partnership between Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu.
Wissa has been one of the standout performers for his country, scoring three of DR Congo's four goals during the group stage. His pace, movement, and finishing ability make him the biggest attacking threat England must contain.
The Congolese midfield is equally impressive, with Sunderland's Noah Sadiki providing energy and creativity alongside Lille midfielder Ngal'ayel Mukau. Their ability to win possession and drive forward could cause problems whenever England lose the ball.
England, on the other hand, boast one of the strongest squads remaining in the tournament.
Although Reece James and Jarell Quansah are still recovering from recent ankle injuries, England's experienced central defensive pairing of John Stones and Marc Guéhi is expected to start. Their leadership will be vital in protecting goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and building attacks from the back.
Defensive Battle
DR Congo also possess an experienced defensive unit.
Captain Chancel Mbemba leads the backline alongside Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, and central defender Kapuadi.
This defensive group has shown excellent chemistry throughout the tournament, making it difficult for opponents to create clear-cut chances. England may need patience and creativity before they can find a breakthrough.
Can England Finally End Their Long Wait?
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have combined to score five goals during England's World Cup campaign so far. However, some football analysts still believe Thomas Tuchel's side has not yet reached its full attacking potential.
England have occasionally struggled to create enough clear chances despite dominating possession, raising questions about the team's balance in the final third.
A victory over DR Congo would move England one step closer to ending their 60-year wait for another FIFA World Cup title. Their only World Cup triumph came in 1966, and expectations remain high among supporters.
However, the road ahead will not be easy, with potential knockout clashes against Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina still possible.
DR Congo's Historic Achievement
Regardless of the result, DR Congo have already exceeded expectations.
Their only previous World Cup appearance came in 1974 when they competed as Zaire. On that occasion, they lost all three group matches, failed to score a goal, and conceded 14.
Their performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup represents remarkable progress and has already become one of the tournament's inspiring stories.
Expected Lineups
England (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
Defenders: Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi, O'Reilly
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice
Attacking Midfielders: Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford
Striker: Harry Kane
DR Congo (5-3-2)
Goalkeeper: Dimitry Bertaud Mpasi
Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Kapuadi, Arthur Masuaku
Midfielders: Ngal'ayel Mukau, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe
Forwards: Yoane Wissa, Cédric Bakambu
Match Information
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Match: England vs DR Congo
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Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 32
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Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
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Venue: Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, United States
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Kick-off: 12:00 PM EDT (4:00 PM GMT)
Prediction
England enter this fixture as clear favourites due to their superior squad depth, experience, and quality across the pitch. However, DR Congo have already proven they can compete against strong opposition with their disciplined defensive structure and dangerous counterattacking style.
If England remain patient and take their chances, they should have enough quality to progress to the Round of 16. Nevertheless, DR Congo are unlikely to make the task easy.
Prediction: England 2-0 DR Congo.
