England vs DR Congo: what to know before the World Cup Round of 32

# England vs DR Congo: Your No-Stress Guide to the Round of 32

In a nutshell

A heavyweight against a fairytale. England — one of the world's best teams, chasing a first World Cup since 1966 — face DR Congo, who have reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history. England have superstars in every line; DR Congo have an army of hard-working defenders and Premier League-tested strikers. England are heavy favourites, but the Leopards are exactly the kind of organised, fearless underdog that makes a favourite sweat.

Who's playing, in one line each

England — the *Three Lions*, in white: perennial contenders and recent major-final regulars, captained by record goalscorer Harry Kane and coached by German tactician Thomas Tuchel.

DR Congo — the *Leopards*, in red: the romantic story of the round, back at a World Cup for the first time since 1974 and through to the knockouts for the very first time, built on grit, organisation and pace.

How they got here

England topped Group L with seven points — a 4–2 win over Croatia, a goalless draw with Ghana and a 2–0 victory over Panama. DR Congo wrote history: needing a result on the final day, they came from behind to beat Uzbekistan 3–1, with Yoane Wissa scoring twice, to seal the first knockout-stage appearance in their history. This is the Round of 32, a straight knockout: level after 90 minutes means extra time, and then a penalty shootout.

The probable lineups (and what they mean)

Think of a lineup as a team's *shape* — how many players defend, build, and attack.

England line up 4-2-3-1 (four defenders, two holding midfielders, three creators, one striker). Two anchors — Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson — let a glittering attack loose: Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford out wide, Jude Bellingham in the number 10 role, and captain Harry Kane up top. Balanced, deep and full of match-winners.

DR Congo line up 5-3-2 (five defenders, three midfielders, two strikers). Three centre-backs and two wing-backs build a deep, compact wall designed to frustrate, with captain Chancel Mbemba marshalling it. Up front, Premier League striker Yoane Wissa partners veteran goal-getter Cédric Bakambu, ready to pounce on the counter.

*Heads-up: these are predicted XIs based on the latest reporting. Coaches often tweak them an hour before kickoff, so treat them as the most likely starting point, not gospel. England's Djed Spence is expected to start at right-back after Reece James's fitness gamble didn't pay off, with John Stones an option in defence. DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre may switch to a more attacking 4-3-3 if chasing the game.*

What to expect (even if you've never watched soccer)

Expect England to dominate the ball and DR Congo to defend in numbers. England will patiently probe for openings through Saka, Bellingham and Kane — when Saka cuts inside off the right, or Kane drops to link play, those are the moments to watch. Their challenge is patience: picking the lock of a packed five-man defence without getting careless.

DR Congo know they can't out-football England, so they'll sit deep, stay compact and disciplined, and throw bodies in front of every shot. Their hope is to frustrate England, hang in the game, and strike on the counter or a set piece through Wissa and Bakambu — both more than capable of punishing a lapse. The single question the match will answer: can England break down a stubborn, deep block — or will DR Congo's resilience drag the favourites into a nervy, low-scoring night?

Players to watch

Harry Kane (England, striker & captain, No. 9) — England's record goalscorer and one of the best strikers of his era. Lethal in the box and a brilliant passer; England's go-to man whenever a goal is needed.

Jude Bellingham (England, attacking midfielder, No. 10) — the Real Madrid superstar who drives England forward with power, skill and big-game goals. The most likely man to unlock a packed defence.

Yoane Wissa (DR Congo, striker, No. 20) — the Newcastle forward who scored twice to send DR Congo through. Quick, sharp and a familiar face from the Premier League; the Leopards' main goal threat.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (DR Congo, wing-back, No. 2) — the West Ham defender known as one of the best one-on-one tacklers around. He'll likely have the job of stopping England's wingers — a Premier League duel on the World Cup stage.

The bottom line

England are heavy favourites — a deeper, more talented team in every position, chasing a first World Cup in 60 years under Tuchel. DR Congo are the underdog living a dream: superbly organised, physically committed and carrying attackers who play in Europe's top leagues. The likeliest outcome is a controlled England win once they break through, but the Leopards will make them work — and if they keep it tight, knockout football can get nervous fast.

When and where to watch

Wednesday, July 1, 2026 — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, USA. Kickoff: 12:00 PM ET (USA) · 1:00 AM JST (Japan, Jul 2) · 1:00 AM KST (Korea, Jul 2).