Substitutes
Substitutes
Match Preview
- England face DR Congo in the Round of 32 at FIFA World Cup 2026. England finished second in Group L while DR Congo secured second place in Group K, achieving their first-ever knockout stage qualification — a historic feat 52 years after their only previous appearance as Zaire in 1974. For Tuchel's England, this is a crucial step toward their first title since 1966.
- DR Congo's defensive duo features two former Manchester United players facing their old club connections. Right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham, 28) and center-back Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley, 28) both represented England at youth level before switching to DR Congo in 2025 and 2024 respectively. Wan-Bissaka will directly face his former United teammate Marcus Rashford (28) down England's left flank.
- England line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with captain Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, 32) leading the line in his third World Cup, equaling Billy Wright's record. Behind him, Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, 23) operates as the creative hub, bringing Champions League-winning experience. Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke (Chelsea, 24) provide width on the flanks.
- DR Congo deploy a 4-3-3 with Yoane Wissa (29) as their central striker, fresh from scoring 19 Premier League goals for Newcastle in 2024-25. Nathanaël Mbuku (Montpellier, 24) and Bryan Mbeumo (Castellón, 28) support from wide positions, looking to exploit England's full-backs. Noah Sadiki (Sunderland, 21) anchors the midfield transitions.
- Both teams rely on strong center-back partnerships. England pair Marc Guéhi (Manchester City, 25) with Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa, 28). DR Congo's captain Chancel Mbemba (Lille, 31), with a record 109 caps, partners former Manchester United defender Tuanzebe. Mbemba's journey through Anderlecht, Newcastle, Porto, and Marseille, including Champions League experience, brings world-class defensive expertise.
- The midfield battle will determine control. England field Declan Rice (Arsenal, 27) alongside Elliott Anderson (23, Newcastle academy product) in a double pivot. DR Congo counter with Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos, 29) as defensive midfielder and Ngonda Muzinga (Lille, 21) driving forward. Rice's coverage against Moutoussamy's disruption will shape the midfield balance.
- England's bench depth provides overwhelming advantage. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal, 24), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa, 30), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle, 25), and Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli, 30, Saudi top scorer) offer world-class attacking options. DR Congo respond with experienced alternatives including Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis, 35, 21 international goals) and Meshack Elia (Alanyaspor, 28, 68 caps, 12 goals).
- Both teams have achieved their minimum target of reaching the Round of 16. For England, this marks the first hurdle toward ending their 60-year wait since 1966. For DR Congo, it's a chance for their first-ever World Cup victory, 52 years after their debut as Zaire. Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City hosts this generational clash between established power and historic underdog.