England’s knockout journey at the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues on Wednesday as they face DR Congo in a Round of 32 clash at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with both sides arriving unbeaten in belief and ambition.
Thomas Tuchel’s side topped Group L, while DR Congo made history by advancing as the highest-ranked third-placed team, setting up a first-ever competitive meeting between the two nations.
Match Preview
England national football team head into the knockout stage with momentum but lingering questions, after a group campaign that promised more dominance than it ultimately delivered.
Tuchel’s side knew qualification was secure before their final group match, but still needed to confirm top spot against Croatia. A slow first half once again raised concerns, but the Three Lions improved after the break, with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham combining to secure a 2-0 win.
Despite mixed performances, England remain unbeaten in competitive matches under Tuchel, underlining their consistency and tournament resilience.
Their opponents, DR Congo national football team, arrive with one of the most remarkable stories of the tournament so far.
Sebastien Desabre’s side secured knockout qualification for the first time in their history, finishing as the best third-placed team after collecting four points in a tough group. Their defining moment came in a crucial win over Uzbekistan, where Yoane Wissa scored twice in a dramatic comeback victory that sealed progression.
Historically competing as Zaire in 1974, DR Congo are now enjoying their most successful World Cup campaign, driven by belief, organisation, and a growing sense of history.
Team News
England are dealing with concerns at right-back after injuries to Jarell Quansah and Reece James. Djed Spence is expected to step in, while the rest of the defence remains settled. Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford are set to continue on the flanks, with Harry Kane leading the line and chasing more knockout-stage history.
Jude Bellingham will again play a central creative role, linking midfield and attack in Tuchel’s structured system.
For DR Congo, no major injury concerns have been reported. Desabre may return to a 5-3-2 formation, with Chancel Mbemba anchoring the defence alongside Steve Kapuadi.
Yoane Wissa is expected to start after his standout group-stage performances, while Cedric Bakambu could partner him up front, offering experience and physical presence in attack.
Predicted Lineups
England: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane
DR Congo: Mpasi-Nzau; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Kapuadi, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Kayembe; Wissa, Bakambu
Form Guide
- England World Cup form: W D W
- England form (all competitions): L W W W D W
- DR Congo World Cup form: D L W
- DR Congo form (all competitions): W D L D L W
Head-to-Head & Tactical View
This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between England and DR Congo, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already high-stakes knockout tie.
England are expected to dominate possession and territory, while DR Congo will rely on defensive structure and quick transitions, particularly through Wissa and Bakambu.
Prediction
DR Congo’s organisation and resilience could limit England’s attacking flow, but the Three Lions still possess the individual quality to decide tight matches at this level.
Prediction: England 2-0 DR Congo
