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Rabat – England faces DR Congo in a highly anticipated Round of 32 clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a thrilling knockout stage meeting at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Three Lions marched into the knockout stages by securing a strong finish in Group L. After an impressive 4-2 opening victory over Croatia and a hard-fought goalless draw against Ghana, Thomas Tuchel’s side focused heavily on fine-tuning their performance to safely punch their ticket to the round of 32. Making their first appearance in a major tournament under Tuchel, England knows that victory in Atlanta will book a dream path deeper into the tournament as they look to assert themselves as ultimate title contenders.
DR Congo, meanwhile, returns to the grandest stage of world football by securing their first World Cup berth since 1974. Head coach Sébastien Desabre has worked wonders with the Leopards, navigating a highly competitive group stage featuring the likes of Portugal and Colombia to lead his team into the knockout rounds. The Congolese side enters this match completely aware that their robust defense and clinical attacking transitions must fire from the opening whistle to stun the European giants.
With the stakes at an all-time high, both managers have named powerhouse lineups engineered to secure a legendary spot in the tournament’s next round.
Team tactical lineups
England
- Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
- Defenders: D.Spence,M. Guehi, E.konsa, N.O’Reilly
- Midfielders: Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Elliot Anderson
- Forwards:M. Rashford, Harry Kane, M.Madueke
DR Congo
- Goalkeeper: Lionel Mpasi
- Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Twanzebe, Arthur Masuaku
- Midfielders: Samuel Moutoussamy, Sadiki , Mukau
- Forwards: M.Mbuku, B.Cipenga, Yoane Wissa
