World Cup 2026: England face DR Congo in Round of 32 in Atlanta with Tuchel and Desabre

After finishing first in Group L with two wins and a draw, England, led by Thomas Tuchel, will want to confirm their status as favorites and keep their momentum going. For their part, DR Congo, under Sébastien Desabre, have caused a stir by reaching the Round of 32 for the first time, notably thanks to a landmark 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan.

The match will bring together an attacking, controlled style embodied by England and a Congolese team built on rigorous defending and quick counterattacks. The focus on key players such as Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham for England, as well as Yoane Wissa and Fiston Mayele for DR Congo, will be decisive in determining the outcome of the match.

With no confirmed absences, both teams have strong squads available. The Atlanta stadium, with its capacity and atmosphere, hosts this highly anticipated showdown, all the more so given the major sporting stakes — qualification for the last 16 of a highly competitive World Cup.

Focus on England

England will play in a 4-2-3-1 system under the direction of Thomas Tuchel. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford will be tasked with guarding the net. The defense features Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi and Nico O’Reilly, offering a balance between solidity and forward thrust. In midfield, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson will play a key role in ball-winning and distribution.

The attacking trio behind striker Harry Kane is made up of Noni Madueke, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford, combining creativity, technique and speed of execution. Kane, one of the tournament’s leading scorers with three goals in the group stage, is the main asset in England’s attack. The bench also offers options such as Jordan Henderson and Bukayo Saka to maintain a high level of intensity.

Focus on DR Congo

DR Congo will line up in a 4-3-3 with Lionel Mpasi Nzau in goal. The defensive line is provided by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe and Arthur Masuaku, combining experience and physical power. The midfield will rely on Ngal’ayel Mukau, Samuel Moutoussamy and Noah Sadiki to manage the tempo and ball recovery.

The attack rests on a quick and incisive trio made up of Nathanaël Mbuku, Yoane Wissa and Brian Cipenga. Wissa, who scored twice in the match against Uzbekistan, is the main attacking threat, supported by Mbuku’s liveliness. Head coach Sébastien Desabre favors a compact block and rapid transitions to unsettle the opposition.