TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – England will face the Democratic Republic of Congo in the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup at Atlanta Stadium, Georgia, United States, on Wednesday, July 1, at 11:00 PM WIB. The match will be broadcast live on TVRI.
England enter the knockout stage as favorites but are expected to face another disciplined defensive setup. DR Congo have alternated between a back four and a back five during the tournament, with coach Sebastien Desabre likely to deploy five defenders against the higher-ranked Three Lions.
Thomas Tuchel's side encountered similar challenges in the group stage. After being held to a goalless draw by Ghana's 5-4-1 formation, England adjusted their approach and defeated Panama 2-0, successfully breaking down another five-man defense.
Against Uzbekistan, however, DR Congo lined up in a 4-4-2 formation and secured a 3-1 victory. Desabre switched to a more cautious 5-3-2 system against Portugal and Colombia, relying on Yoane Wissa and Cedric Bakambu to launch counterattacks.
That approach is expected to continue against England, although DR Congo know that defending alone may not be enough. Should the match reach penalties, England hold a significant advantage in experience, while DR Congo are appearing in the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.
Tuchel may again rely on the attacking setup that proved effective against Panama. Marcus Rashford, Morgan Rogers, and Bukayo Saka provided greater creativity behind Harry Kane, while Jude Bellingham excelled in a deeper midfield role alongside Elliot Anderson after Declan Rice was rested.
With Rice now fully fit, Bellingham is expected to return to his preferred attacking midfield position behind Kane.
England's Squad Depth Offers an Edge
Tuchel's rotations throughout the group stage highlighted England's impressive squad depth. Changes in personnel did not reduce the team's quality and, in several matches, even increased their attacking intensity.
The gap between the two sides is also reflected in the FIFA rankings. England sit fourth in the world behind France, Argentina, and Spain, while DR Congo are ranked 41st.
The numbers further underline England's superiority. The Three Lions scored six goals from 58 attempts during the group stage, including 46 shots from inside the penalty area. DR Congo scored four goals from 34 attempts, with only 16 coming inside the box.
Although known for their organized defense, DR Congo conceded three goals and failed to keep a clean sheet in the group stage. England, meanwhile, conceded only twice and recorded two clean sheets.
The statistics also illustrate England's defensive discipline. Their midfield has consistently disrupted attacks before they reached the penalty area, while the backline has coped well against teams relying on quick counterattacks.
Notably, the only two goals England conceded came against Croatia, a side that played a more open game. Ghana and Panama, who focused primarily on defending, failed to score.
Wissa Leads DR Congo's Counterattacking Threat
Despite England's superiority on paper, DR Congo possess dangerous attacking weapons.
Yoane Wissa has emerged as the team's standout performer with three goals in the group stage. Alongside Cedric Bakambu, he gives DR Congo a dangerous outlet on the counterattack.
Arthur Masuaku is another player to watch. The experienced wing-back offers quality deliveries from the left flank and frequently supports attacking moves.
England, however, boast greater creativity across the pitch. Harry Kane is supported by Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Marcus Rashford, while Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson provide control and balance in midfield.
Rice and Anderson have helped England dominate possession and limit opponents to between 22 and 46 percent of the ball during the group stage.
Head-to-Head
This will be the first-ever meeting between England and DR Congo.
England are making their 17th World Cup appearance. The 1966 champions have also reached the semifinals in 1990 and 2018.
DR Congo are playing in their second World Cup and have reached the knockout stage for the first time.
DR Congo are part of a strong showing by African teams, with nine of the continent's 10 representatives advancing to the Round of 32. Only Tunisia failed to progress.
Probable Lineups
England: Jordan Pickford; Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Nico O'Reilly; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson; Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford; Harry Kane.
DR Congo: Dimitry Mpasi; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Morgan Poaty, Arthur Masuaku; Samuel Moutoussamy, Noah Sadiki, Edo Kayembe; Yoane Wissa, Cedric Bakambu.
Prediction
DR Congo have impressed with their tactical flexibility and defensive organization. Their five-man backline conceded only one goal across matches against Portugal and Colombia, showing they can frustrate stronger opponents.
However, England enjoy clear advantages in individual quality, squad depth, and knockout-stage experience. If Tuchel's side can again find a way past a compact defense, the Three Lions should have enough to secure their place in the Round of 16 within 90 minutes.
Read: France, Norway Advance to 2026 World Cup Round of 16
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