England vs DR Congo Round of 32 Match Preview and Predicted Lineups

England begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout journey with a Round of 32 clash against DR Congo at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Thomas Tuchel's side head into the contest after finishing top of Group L and will be looking to continue their impressive run with another convincing performance.

For DR Congo, this fixture is the biggest occasion in the nation's football history. The Leopards have reached the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time and now face one of the tournament favourites as they aim to produce another memorable result on the world stage.

England possess superior squad depth, tournament experience, and quality across the pitch, while DR Congo will rely on defensive discipline, organisation, and quick counterattacks to challenge the Three Lions. With a place in the Round of 16 on the line, both teams understand that only victory will keep their World Cup dream alive.

In this article, we take a detailed look at England vs DR Congo, including team news, predicted lineups, key players, and tactical analysis ahead of this crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout encounter.

England Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026

• Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford
• Defenders: John Stones, Marc Guéhi, Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn, Djed Spence, Nico O'Reilly, Reece James, Jarell Quansah, Tino Livramento
• Midfielders: Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo, Elliot Anderson, Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze, Jordan Henderson
• Forwards: Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, Ollie Watkins, Noni Madueke, Ivan Toney

DR Congo Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026

• Goalkeepers: Lionel Mpasi, Timothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo
• Defenders: Chancel Mbemba, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Joris Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Dylan Batubinsika, Gedeon Kalulu
• Midfielders: Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Ngal'ayel Mukau, Charles Pickel, Gaël Kakuta, Aaron Tshibola, Nathanaël Mbuku, Brian Cipenga
• Forwards: Yoane Wissa, Cédric Bakambu, Simon Banza, Fiston Mayele, Théo Bongonda

England vs DR Congo Match Preview

England head into the knockout rounds carrying strong momentum after an unbeaten group-stage campaign under Thomas Tuchel. The Three Lions collected seven points from three matches, defeating Croatia and Panama while earning a hard-fought draw against Ghana to secure first place in Group L. Their balanced performances at both ends of the pitch have strengthened belief that England can mount a serious challenge for the FIFA World Cup 2026 title.

The England World Cup 2026 campaign has been built on tactical discipline, defensive stability, and control in possession. With players like Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, and Declan Rice leading the way, England have consistently dictated the tempo of matches while creating chances through patient attacking play. Against a defensively organised opponent, Tuchel's side are expected to dominate possession and spend long periods inside the opposition half.

The DR Congo World Cup 2026 campaign has already exceeded expectations. After securing qualification through a dramatic route, the Leopards continued their fairytale run by earning a valuable draw against Portugal, narrowly losing to Colombia, and defeating Uzbekistan to reach the knockout stage as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams. Their performances have highlighted resilience, discipline, and an ability to compete against higher-ranked opponents.

DR Congo are expected to maintain their compact defensive shape and frustrate England before looking to exploit spaces on the counterattack through their quick forwards. Head coach Sébastien Desabre has built a side that is difficult to break down, and his team's organisation could present England with one of their toughest tactical tests of the tournament so far.

Although this will be the first senior international meeting between England and DR Congo, the Three Lions have traditionally enjoyed success against African opposition at the FIFA World Cup. DR Congo, meanwhile, will be aiming to make history by eliminating a former world champion in a World Cup knockout match.

England vs DR Congo: Team News, Key Players

England have been forced into defensive changes after injuries ruled out Reece James, Tino Livramento, and Jarell Quansah. However, Declan Rice has recovered from his fitness concerns and is expected to return to the starting lineup, providing balance and leadership in midfield.

Harry Kane remains England's biggest attacking weapon and will once again spearhead the attack. Jude Bellingham's creativity and Bukayo Saka's direct running will be crucial in breaking down DR Congo's defensive block, while Elliot Anderson has emerged as one of England's standout performers with his ability to progress possession and win midfield battles.

For DR Congo, Sebastien Desabre has the advantage of a fully fit squad with no injury concerns ahead of this historic knockout clash. Several members of the squad also possess valuable experience of English football, which could help them adapt to England's style of play.

Yoane Wissa has been DR Congo's most dangerous attacking player throughout the tournament and will be relied upon to provide the cutting edge on the counterattack. Captain Chancel Mbemba's leadership at the back will be vital, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka's defensive qualities and Cédric Bakambu's experience in attack could prove equally important if the Leopards are to spring a major upset.

England vs DR Congo: Predicted Starting XIs for Round of 32

England and DR Congo are expected to field strong lineups for this FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout encounter.

England Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1)

• Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
• Defenders: Djed Spence, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Dan Burn
• Midfielders: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson
• Attacking Midfielders: Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford
• Striker: Harry Kane

DR Congo Predicted Starting XI (5-3-2)

• Goalkeeper: Lionel Mpasi
• Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Steve Kapuadi, Arthur Masuaku
• Midfielders: Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe
• Forwards: Yoane Wissa, Cedric Bakambu

Venue Details of England vs DR Congo FIFA World Cup Clash

• Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
• Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
• Time: 9:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PKT)
• Platform: tapmad
• Knockout Stage: Round of 32

Watch England vs DR Congo Live on tapmad

Watch every moment of England vs DR Congo live on tapmad. Follow the Round of 32 action as England look to continue their FIFA World Cup 2026 journey, while DR Congo aim to create another historic chapter by reaching the Round of 16 for the first time.

Final Words

England enters this knockout clash as overwhelming favourites thanks to their experience, squad quality, and tactical consistency throughout the tournament. DR Congo, however, have earned widespread praise for their disciplined performances and have already shown they are capable of frustrating some of the competition's strongest teams.