FIFA World Cup 26™: What to look out for in England v Congo DR 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇨🇩 | OneFootball

FIFA World Cup 26™: What to look out for in England v Congo DR 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇨🇩 | OneFootball

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Alex Mott·01 de julho de 2026

FIFA World Cup 26™: What to look out for in England v Congo DR 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇨🇩

Imagem do artigo:FIFA World Cup 26™: What to look out for in England v Congo DR 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇨🇩

England begin their knockout campaign against Congo DR in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 26™.

Here's what to look out for in Atlanta.


Vídeos OneFootball


Who is playing today? 👀

England arrive in the knockout stages unbeaten after finishing top of Group L with seven points. Thomas Tuchel's side followed an opening win over Croatia with a draw against Ghana before beating Panama 2-0 thanks to goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. The victory secured first place in the group, although performances have drawn some criticism for lacking fluency.

Congo DR have already enjoyed a historic campaign by reaching the World Cup™ knockout stages for the first time. Sébastien Desabre's side recovered from an opening defeat before beating Uzbekistan 3-1 in their final group match to seal qualification. It marks only the nation's second World Cup™ appearance, having previously competed as Zaire in 1974.

Players to watch 🔥

Imagem do artigo:FIFA World Cup 26™: What to look out for in England v Congo DR 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇨🇩

Bellingham once again looks set to be England's driving force. The midfielder opened the scoring against Panama before setting up Harry Kane's second goal - that performance earned him an Attacking Score of 9.44 in the FIFA Power Ranking - powered by Aramco. 

Kane remains England's biggest goal threat. His strike against Panama was his 11th World Cup goal, giving him the record as England's leading scorer in the competition and earning an Attacking Score of 7.26.

For Congo DR, Yoane Wissa has been their key attacking outlet. The Newcastle forward combines pace, movement and relentless work rate, while Lionel Mpasi has impressed between the posts.

Must-watch video 🎥

Wissa is in a confident mood ahead of the match.

Fun facts 📊

  • This will be the first ever meeting between England and Congo DR.
  • England will face an African team in a World Cup™ knockout match for just the third time.
  • This will be the 11th time an African team has played a World Cup™ knockout match against a former winner, while only one has managed to progress (Morocco v Spain in 2022).

Our prediction 🔮

England 2-0 Congo DR

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