DR Congo XI vs England – Predicted lineup and team news

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The Football Faithful

·1 Juli 2026

DR Congo XI vs England – Predicted lineup and team news

DR Congo face England at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday evening in a World Cup last 32 tie that represents the most significant match in the country’s football history.

Sébastien Desabre’s side qualified as the highest-ranked third-place team in the tournament, finishing one point behind Portugal in Group K. They enter this fixture having already held a European heavyweight and come from behind to win in the group stage. A nation more accustomed to footballing heartbreak than celebration, DR Congo arrives in Atlanta with a genuine belief that they can cause an upset.

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DR Congo team news

Desabre has no injury concerns to manage and is expected to revert to the 5-3-2 system used in two of the three group-stage matches, having switched to a back four for the must-win game against Uzbekistan. The personnel in the back five provide a familiarity with English football that is arguably unique in this tournament.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, at right wing-back, spent several years at Manchester United and knows Premier League football intimately. Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba — the captain with over 100 caps — and Arthur Masuaku complete a defensive unit built on experience and Premier League pedigree.

Yoane Wissa is the tournament’s breakout performer from the DR Congo squad. The Newcastle United forward had a difficult season in the Premier League but has been transformed at this World Cup, scoring three of the Leopards’ four group-stage goals — including a header against Portugal and a brace against Uzbekistan.

His pace, aerial ability and instinct in front of goal represent England’s most significant individual threat. Cédric Bakambu, with 57 international goals and enormous experience across European leagues, provides the intelligent foil beside him.

In midfield, Noah Sadiki of Sunderland provides the defensive discipline that allows the wing-backs to push forward. Jean-Marc Makusu Mundele and Fiston Mayele — who scored as a substitute against Uzbekistan — are also available to provide additional depth. Fiacre Ntwari Mpasi starts in goal.