England’s journey in the World Cup continues with a Round of 32 clash against DR Congo, a team that has defied expectations by reaching the knockout stages for the first time in over half a century. Their previous World Cup appearance in 1974, then as Zaire, included a heavy 9-0 defeat to Yugoslavia, making their current achievement a significant redemption.
Under the guidance of head coach Sebastien Desabre, who took over nearly four years ago when the team was reportedly in crisis, DR Congo has undergone a remarkable transformation. Desabre's tenure has seen them achieve a fourth-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, instilling a new level of discipline and tactical awareness. The team has demonstrated tactical flexibility, employing a back five in their initial World Cup matches, including a 1-1 draw against Portugal, before switching to a 4-4-2 formation to secure a crucial 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan.
A core strength of DR Congo lies in their defensive solidity, evidenced by 29 clean sheets in 57 games under Desabre. They have also shown resilience, never losing by more than a single goal when their Europe-based players are available. On the offensive front, swift counter-attacks are a key weapon, utilising the pace of strikers Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa to exploit spaces behind opposition defences. Mental resilience, a quality often lacking in the past, has also been forged through a challenging qualifying campaign that featured three play-off matches.
However, DR Congo does face some challenges. They have had limited exposure to top-20 ranked sides in recent years, with Senegal and Morocco being notable exceptions, against whom they have a poor record. Furthermore, a potential concern is the conditioning and match sharpness of several regular starters, many of whom have reportedly struggled for consistent playing time at their club teams in the 2025-26 season.
Key players to watch include captain Chancel Mbemba, the 31-year-old central defender and most-capped player, who remains integral despite recent peripheral roles at his French clubs. Belgium-born Noah Sadiki, 21, has added dynamism to the midfield since his debut in September 2024, becoming a £15m revelation for Sunderland. Upfront, Yoane Wissa, 29, despite a knee injury delaying his debut with Newcastle following a £55m move, was the joint-top African goalscorer in the World Cup group stage with three goals. Cedric Bakambu, 35, the squad's oldest member, continues to be highly effective, having scored four times in the qualifiers and nearing the country's record goalscorer title.
DR Congo secured their spot in the last 32 by drawing 1-1 with Portugal, losing 1-0 to Colombia, and then defeating Uzbekistan 3-1, progressing as one of the best third-placed teams. Their match against England will be live on BBC One on Wednesday 1st July, with coverage starting at 16:00 BST.
Source: UKPulse Media Research