England Faces Cautious DR Congo in World Cup Round of 32 Clash
African nations have delivered excellent performances in the group stage of this World Cup. DR Congo will also aim for the same, looking to surprise strong teams.
Article Summary
Carefully reviewed and prepared editorial.
- In the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, England will face DR Congo on Wednesday night at 9:45 PM at Atlanta Stadium.
- This will be the first meeting between the two teams in a World Cup knockout stage, with England aiming to maintain its unbeaten record against African nations.
- Returning to the World Cup after five decades, DR Congo has reached the knockout stage for the first time in history, while England advances as group winners.
Kathmandu. With the knockout stage of FIFA World Cup 2026 underway, unexpected outcomes and increasing excitement continue to mark the tournament.
Paraguay’s upset over Germany and Morocco’s win against the Netherlands have generated widespread attention.
England, winners of the 1966 World Cup, will play African nation DR Congo on Wednesday in the Round of 32, approaching the match with caution. Given that knockout games often extend to penalty shootouts, anticipation and tension are expected to be high.
The England vs. DR Congo match kicks off at 9:45 PM Nepal time at Atlanta Stadium.
According to FIFA rankings, England is ranked 4th while DR Congo, participating in their second World Cup, is 46th.
African teams have excelled in the group stage, disrupting strong teams, and DR Congo aims to continue this trend.
England remains undefeated against African teams in nine encounters, winning five and drawing four.
England has previously recorded knockout stage victories against African nations twice: beating Cameroon 3-2 in 1990 and Senegal 2-0 in the last 16 in 2022.
Harry Kane, England’s captain, is the team’s all-time World Cup top scorer with 11 goals and aims to increase this tally.
Key defenders for DR Congo include Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, both of whom have played in five different clubs including Manchester United. Forward Joël Bissaka has already scored three goals in this World Cup.
Group Stage Performance
England topped their group with 7 points from 2 wins and 1 draw, while DR Congo secured advancement as one of the best third-placed teams.
England beat Croatia 4-2 in their opener, then played a goalless draw against Ghana, and finally defeated Panama 2-0 to stay unbeaten in the group.
Captain Harry Kane scored three goals in the group stage, supported notably by Jude Bellingham.
DR Congo’s return to the World Cup after 52 years marks their second appearance ever. They made history by reaching the knockout phase for the first time with a group stage record of 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss.
They drew 1-1 against title contenders Portugal in their first match, lost 1-0 to Colombia next, but finished strong with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan, accumulating 4 points.
Though ranked third behind group winner Colombia and runner-up Portugal, DR Congo qualified for the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams.
Head-to-Head
This will be the first-ever meeting between England and DR Congo in both the FIFA World Cup and international football overall.
Players to Watch
For England, captain Harry Kane remains the key goal threat, supported by Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, all expected to play significant roles.
Kane carries the responsibility of leading the Three Lions forward; his goals can decisively influence team results. After struggling to score against Ghana, Kane and Bellingham found the net against Panama.
For DR Congo, players active in the English league are central to their performance. Forward Joël Bissaka’s three goals make him a standout player. Defenders Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, with experience in Manchester United and other clubs, are crucial to DR Congo’s defense.