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England vs DR Congo: World Cup Last-16 Preview

England vs DR Congo: World Cup Last-16 Preview

30.06.2026 17:15

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July 1, 2026 19:00. Atlanta (Georgia, USA)
World Cup, Round of 16

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England vs DR Congo: Bookmakers' Odds

England

England topped Group L with seven points after a 4-2 win over Croatia, a 0-0 draw with Ghana and a 2-0 win over Panama. Despite the points, the domestic media remains concerned about inconsistent play and doubts ahead of the playoffs.

However, Thomas Tuchel expresses calm confidence: "These players know how to deal with big events. We will move forward. The bigger the stakes, the stronger we become."

"I enjoy managing the England team. I've never hidden that. I feel a huge attachment to the country, its people and the way they treat football and sport. Nobody wants to win more than me. I feel a connection with the players and with this nation."

Attention has been drawn to Tuchel's record against African teams: his only official defeat in eleven games (ten wins) came against Ghana in this tournament. Reports have highlighted defensive reliability as key, noting that 14 of England's last 15 wins have ended in a clean sheet.

Tuchel's biggest headache ahead of Atlanta is at right-back. Reece James is out with a hamstring strain, while Jarrell Cuanza, his replacement, limped off against Panama and is also unavailable. That leaves the coach to reshuffle and possibly a young Harry O'Reilly.

DR Congo

DR Congo's progress to the last 16 was their first appearance at this stage in 52 years. A 3-1 win over Uzbekistan sparked nationwide celebrations.

The players and media say they are playing to unite the nation and lift spirits in the war-torn east. Forward Yohan Vissa said: "We have earned the right to play England. We have worked hard for this. Life at home is difficult at the moment because of the conflict in eastern Congo. Every time we put on this shirt we think of them."

Coach Sébastien Dezabre has kept the team flexible. Against Portugal (1-1) and Colombia (0-1), the Leopards used a compact 5-3-3 or 5-3-2 formation and relied on counterattacks, an approach that local experts believe could frustrate Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. In the decisive match of the group stage, Desabre switched to a 4-4-2 formation, proving that the team can also take the initiative when necessary.

Congolese journalists claim that the underdog status relieves pressure, and that the desire to bring joy home could be the reason for the shock of the round.

England v DR Congo: Predicted lineups

Team lineups

England v DR Congo: Author's Prediction

The Leopards' motivation is admirable, but the difference in individual quality is striking. England players perform at the highest level every week in the Champions League and Premier League. For most of the DR Congo players, this is the first experience of such intensity. In the playoffs, this experience of winning matches often proves decisive.