Competition – FIFA World Cup 2026
Round of 32 – Wednesday, June 7, 2026
Kick-off – 7 pm
Venue – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta
Why England vs DR Congo match matters
England and DR Congo is a genuinely historic occasion, their first-ever meeting, one that pits a tournament favourite chasing a first World Cup since 1966 against a nation experiencing the greatest moment in its football history. The Three Lions emerged as the best team in their group after brushing off a first-half scare to overcome Croatia 4-2, then playing out another disappointing goalless draw against Ghana before clipping Panama 2-0. Their captain Harry Kane’s goal against Panama made him England’s all-time topscorer at the World Cup with 11 goals surpassing Gary Lineker’s ten.
England have not lost a match in 11 competitive matches under Tuchel.
But knockout football resets everything: one moment of carelessness, one missed chance, one defensive lapse against a well-organised African side, and a tournament built on genuine title ambition could end in the most unexpected of circumstances. History suggests England should have little to fear; they have faced African opposition in World Cup knockout football only twice before, beating Cameroon 3-2 in the famous 1990 quarter-final and Senegal 3-0 in the 2022 Round of 16.
DR Congo’s journey to Atlanta has been remarkable: from a penalty shootout win over Nigeria, through extra-time heroics against Jamaica, to a tournament where they held Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal to a draw and recovered from half-time deficits to beat Uzbekistan. Yoane Wissa’s three goals, at a goal-every-90-minutes rate that defies his troubled club season, confirm DR Congo are not here to make up the numbers.
But England carry too much quality, too much depth and too much World Cup pedigree for this to be anything other than their match to lose. Harry Kane’s record-breaking form, Bellingham’s ability to produce decisive moments, and a midfield platform built around Declan Rice’s all-action energy should be enough to break down even a well-organised DR Congo defence.
The concern from the Ghana draw that England struggles against deep, disciplined blocks is real, and Tuchel’s likely recall of Saka and Rashford reflects an awareness that England needs more directness and unpredictability against exactly this kind of opponent. With Reece James missing through injury and Djed Spence deputising at right-back, DR Congo’s attacking full-back Arthur Masuaku and the dangerous Wissa represent England’s clearest defensive vulnerability.
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England’s form guide: W-D-W-W-W
England’s last five matches
- 28.06.2026 – Panama 0-2 England
- 23.06.2026 – England 0-0 Ghana
- 17.06.2026 – England 4-2 Croatia
- 10.06.2026 – England 3-0 Costa Rica
- 06.06.2026 – England 1-0 New Zealand
Goals scored – 10
Goals conceded – 2
Key trends from England’s recent matches
England started the World Cup well with a 4-2 victory over Croatia thanks to an improved second-half performance, but their credentials were heavily tested against Ghana, who managed to keep them at bay for 90+ minutes in that 0-0 draw. It was a match that could have gone worse for the Three Lions had the referee awarded a late penalty after what appeared to be a foul on Prince. They anaged to bounce ack to winning ways beating Panama 2-0 with Harry Kane scoring his third goal in just three matches to become England’s all-time World Cup top scorer. The Three Lions have been clinical, scoring at least a goal in four of their last five matches in June and conceding only two while keeping four clean sheets.
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DR Congo’s form guide: W-L-D-L-D
DR Congo’s last five matches
- 28.06.2026 – DR Congo 3-1 Uzbekistan
- 24.06.2026 – Colombia 1-0 DR Congo
- 17.06.2026 – Portugal 1-1 DR Congo
- 09.06.2026 – DR Congo 1-2 Chile
- 03.06.2026 – DR Congo 0-0 Denmark
Goals scored – 5
Goals conceded – 5
Key trends from DR Congo’s recent matches
DR Congo stunned the World Cup after holding a star-studded Portugal with Cristiano Ronaldo to a 1-1 draw in the opening game. Then they suffered a disheartening 1-0 defeat to a late Daniel Munoz goal, but returned strong to thrash Uzbekistan 3-1 to book a place in the knockout rounds for their first time. DR Congo have been a tactically defensive side, conceding only five goals in their last five matches in June; however, besides their 3-1 over Uzbekistan, they have not scored more than a goal in four matches.
Team news
England team news
Reece James is unavailable through injury. James had been one of England’s most dangerous attacking full-backs throughout the group stage, and his absence means Djed Spence is expected to start at right-back in his place, a significant change that DR Congo are reportedly targeting England’s makeshift right-back as a key area to exploit through Wissa and the left-sided attacking threats of Arthur Masuaku.
Tuchel faces a genuine selection question in attack. Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke both struggled to break down Ghana’s low block, and given DR Congo’s similarly organised defensive setup, Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka could be recalled to the starting XI given their superior record against deep-defending opposition. The supply line down the wings will be central to whether England can create enough clear chances for Kane and Bellingham to convert.
Key English players to watch
Harry Kane is England’s record World Cup scorer with 11 goals, captain and talisman. Jude Bellingham is the most unpredictable attacking presence in England’s squad, capable of seizing big moments. Declan Rice, with six goals in 72 England appearances, functions as both a defensive anchor and a forward-carrying presence. Elliot Anderson is the tournament’s standout performer for line-breaking passes, possession won, and duels won.
DR Congo team news
No significant injury concerns have been confirmed from the DR Congo camp ahead of this historic fixture.
DR Congo are expected to set up in a disciplined low block, similar to the defensive shape that restricted Portugal for long periods of their opening fixture.
Key DR Congo players to watch
Yoane Wissa, DR Congo’s talisman with three goals at this World Cup, is scoring at a rate of one every 90 minutes despite an injury-disrupted club season. Cedric Bakambu has scored four times in qualifying and links effectively with Wissa on the counter.
Predicted Lineups
England: Jordan Pickford (GK), Djed Spence (RB), John Stones (CB), Marc Guéhi (CB), Nico O’Reilly (LB), Declan Rice (CDM), Jude Bellingham (CM), Kobbie Mainoo (CM), Bukayo Saka (RW), Harry Kane (ST), Marcus Rashford (LW).
DR Congo: Lionel Mpasi (GK), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB), Chancel Mbemba (CB), Dylan Batubinsika (CB), Arthur Masuaku (LB), Samuel Moutoussamy (CDM), Charles Pickel (CDM), Nathanael Mbuku (RM), Meschack Elia / Brian Cipenga (LM), Yoane Wissa (ST), Fiston Mayele (ST).
Best betting markets for England vs DR Congo
Match winner (90 Minutes) – draw
Over / Under goals – Over 2.5 Goals
Both teams to score — Yes
Anytime goalscorer – Harry Kane
Correct score prediction: England 3-1 DR Congo
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