World Cup 2026: DR Congo chase historic knockout breakthrough against England

DR Congo will attempt to reach uncharted territory when they face England in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup, with the Leopards seeking their first victory in the tournament’s knockout stage.

The match, scheduled for Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.

Paris time at Atlanta Stadium, will also mark the first-ever senior international meeting between the two nations.

England arrive as Group L winners, while DR Congo secured their place in the knockout rounds after qualifying as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

For the Congolese side, simply reaching this stage has already created history.

According to Francetvpro, the Leopards have advanced beyond the group stage of a World Cup for the first time, setting up a landmark encounter against one of the tournament favourites.

England arrive unbeaten

England enter the knockout stage after finishing at the top of Group L under head coach Thomas Tuchel.

Their campaign opened with a 4-2 victory over Croatia before a goalless draw against Ghana.

They completed the group phase with a 2-0 win over Panama, collecting enough points to progress as group winners.

Having navigated the opening stage without defeat, England will now look to continue their campaign by securing a place in the next round.

Historic achievement for DR Congo

DR Congo’s route to the knockout stage was considerably more challenging.

The Leopards began with a 1-1 draw against Portugal before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia.

They kept their hopes alive by defeating Uzbekistan 3-1, a result that secured qualification as one of the competition’s best third-placed teams.

The achievement represents a milestone for Congolese football, with the national team reaching the World Cup knockout phase for the first time.

Desabre builds on defensive strength

Head coach Sébastien Desabre has built his team around a defensive structure described as solid, while relying on quick attacking transitions to threaten opponents.

Central to that approach is the partnership of Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu, whose movement and pace have provided much of DR Congo’s attacking threat.

Wissa has emerged as the team’s standout performer in front of goal, scoring three of the Leopards’ four goals during the group stage.

His form is expected to pose one of the biggest challenges for England’s defence.

England monitor defensive fitness

England are expected to rely on the central defensive partnership of John Stones and Marc Guéhi as they prepare to contain DR Congo’s attack.

However, questions remain over the availability of Reece James and Jarell Quansah, who are both recovering from ankle sprains ahead of the match.

Despite those concerns, England begin the contest after a consistent group-stage campaign, while DR Congo hope to extend their historic run in what promises to be a significant occasion for both nations.

The encounter in Atlanta will not only determine who advances to the next round of the World Cup but will also write a new chapter in the history of both teams, as England and DR Congo meet for the first time on the international stage.