England is set to face DR Congo in the World Cup 2026 last-32, a match anticipated to be a significant test for Thomas Tuchel‘s side. The DR Congo, nicknamed the Leopards, are making their first appearance in the knockout stages of the tournament, marking a historic moment for the nation.
Noni Madueke, the England winger, expressed that competing in the World Cup is a dream come true, and he is eager to help England pursue a major title. He acknowledged the challenge posed by DR Congo, describing them as a resilient and well-disciplined team. Madueke anticipates a difficult game, emphasising that at this stage of the World Cup, no opponent can be taken lightly.
The DR Congo‘s journey to the knockout rounds included an impressive performance against Portugal, a team considered one of the pre-tournament favourites. Despite drawing against Portugal, many observers felt Sebastien Desabre‘s team deserved all three points. Their victory over Uzbekistan secured their place in the knockout stage, a significant achievement after a 52-year wait for a World Cup spot.
DR Congo’s Tactical Approach
DR Congo‘s playing style is characterised by a strong defensive focus, aimed at avoiding defeat and waiting for opportunities to strike. Under Desabre‘s four-year leadership, the team has not been beaten by more than one goal. This defensive solidity is a key aspect of their strategy, with success often found in low-scoring matches where they score one goal or fewer in two-thirds of their games.
In their initial two matches against Portugal and Colombia, Desabre deployed a formation featuring a back five, three midfielders, and a front two. Wing-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Arthur Masuaku maintained disciplined positions, with creative responsibilities primarily falling to the midfield. The team is content to concede possession, inviting opponents onto their defensive block before launching counter-attacks.
England‘s attacking creativity has been a point of discussion, even after their 2-0 victory over Panama. According to FIFA’s style metrics, England‘s playing style significantly differs from that of DR Congo. The blueprint for frustrating England‘s attack was previously demonstrated by Ghana, who held the Three Lions to a goalless draw in the group stages. Madueke noted that breaking down teams that set up with many players in a confined space is challenging, a struggle observed in other top nations as well.
Key Players and Connections
Despite their conservative style, DR Congo possesses an attacking threat. Yoane Wissa has scored three goals in the competition, matching Harry Kane‘s tally. Wissa‘s involvement has been particularly impactful after missing the Africa Cup of Nations. Another attacking option is Real Betis striker Cedric Bakambu, though he has yet to register a shot on target in the World Cup. Desabre also introduced Fiston Mayele, who was named the men’s Interclub African Player of the Year, adding composure in front of goal.
The match between DR Congo and England holds additional significance due to the strong footballing links between the two nations. Several young players with Congolese heritage have played in England. Axel Tuanzebe, born in Bunia, Congo, moved to Rochdale and received his footballing education at Manchester United, also representing England at youth level. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, born and raised in south London, also played for Manchester United and was included in an England squad in 2019. Midfielder Aaron Tshibola, formerly of Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, was born in east London. Arthur Masuaku is known to England fans from his time at West Ham and Sunderland, while Noah Sadiki of Sunderland is also a highly-rated player.
There is also Congolese heritage within the current England squad, with Ezri Konsa being eligible to represent the Leopards. This match represents a furthering of the history being made by DR Congo, marking their most successful period in a generation. The nation, previously known as Zaire, was the first sub-Saharan African country to qualify for the World Cup in 1974. The opportunity to showcase their talent against England on Wednesday is one the entire nation is expected to embrace.
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Source: skysports.com
Sam Whitlock is a Sports News Writer at News-GB.org. He moved from local newspapers into digital sport. He focuses on rugby union, golf and boxing and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Gloucestershire and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Gloucester, he plays amateur rugby and follows the fight game. “Clarity beats cleverness in breaking sport news.”