England take on DR Congo in the Round of 32 at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday, with Thomas Tuchel’s side expected to advance deep into the tournament.
England finished top of Group L despite failing to fully convince their fanbase, while DR Congo qualified as the highest-ranked third-placed nation from Group K.
Tuchel’s men remain unbeaten across 11 competitive fixtures under the German coach, recording ten wins and one draw in that impressive run.
DR Congo’s journey to the knockout stage was dramatic, as they spent the majority of their final group game trailing Uzbekistan before staging a stunning comeback.
Yoane Wissa scored twice from the penalty spot and open play, while Fiston Mayele also netted as DR Congo sealed a 3-1 victory that sent them through for the first time in their history.
Wissa has now scored three of DR Congo’s four World Cup goals, matching his entire tally across the 2025-26 Premier League season with Newcastle United.
The striker averaged a goal every 301 minutes for Newcastle United this season, but his World Cup ratio stands at a remarkable goal every 90 minutes.
Harry Kane scored three times in the group stage and became England’s record scorer at men’s World Cups, a milestone that underlines his importance to Tuchel’s attack.
Should Kane find the net against DR Congo, he would draw level with Geoff Hurst on four knockout-stage goals for England at the FIFA World Cup, with only Gary Lineker ahead on six.
England’s preparations have been disrupted at right-back, with Jarell Quansah joining Reece James on the treatment table after picking up an ankle injury against Panama.
Tuchel has expressed optimism that the Bayer Leverkusen defender could return within days, but Djed Spence looks certain to start in that position on Wednesday night.
Tuchel has made three changes to his lineup, bringing Declan Rice, Noni Madueke, and Djed Spence back in, with Morgan Rogers, Bukayo Saka, and the injured Quansah all dropping out.
