A DR Congo side that managed to make it out of a group with Portugal and Colombia as the best-ranked 3rd-placed team will return to action at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium this time, making their first-ever World Cup knockout appearance, to face an England side preparing for another deep run.
It's World Cup knockout action on Wednesday, July 1, as DR Congo travels to Atlanta to face an England side that has not tasted competitive defeat under Thomas Tuchel. Leopards boss Sebastien Desabre will aim to inspire his team after a historic group-stage performance.
Team Form
England: Unbeaten in competitive matches under Thomas Tuchel.
DR Congo: Reached the knockout rounds by qualifying as the highest-ranked third-placed nation.
Key Stats & Head-to-Head
The upcoming match between England and DR Congo will be their maiden meeting.
England remained unbeaten during their successful group stage campaign.
DR Congo turned around a 1-0 deficit in their last match, securing a historic 3-1 victory.
Yoane Wissa was clinical in the group stage, netting two crucial goals for the African side.
This match serves as a crucial knockout clash for both nations at the global showpiece.
What to Expect From Both Teams
England | Form: LWWWDW:
Thomas Tuchel's side enters this clash with immense confidence, looking to preserve a formidable unbeaten competitive run in front of the world.
With a squad featuring seasoned veterans like Harry Kane and clinical finishers like Jude Bellingham, they provide a stern test for any opposing nation.
Having been pushed by Ghana in the group stage, this fixture against African opposition provides familiar preparation to master the required playing style.
DR Congo | Form: WDLDLW:
Sebastien Desabre's men are looking to build on a historic victory where they repeatedly found the back of the net against Uzbekistan.
Despite competing in uncharted knockout territory, the Leopards still boast experienced heads like Chancel Mbemba and Cedric Bakambu.
With a potential quarter-final against Brazil looming, finding their rhythm in Atlanta this week is a top priority for the technical bench.
Predicted Lineups
England (possible):
Pickford, Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly, Anderson, Rice, Saka, Bellingham, Rashford, Kane.
DR Congo (possible):
Mpasi-Nzau, Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Kapuadi, Masuaku, Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Kayembe, Wissa, Bakambu.
Matchups & Players to Watch
Jude Bellingham: The midfielder has proven to be very vital to the English team winning games, and all of England would hope his excellent form continues.
Chancel Mbemba: A vital cog in the DR Congo backline who will be tasked with disrupting England's world-class attacking stars.
Yoane Wissa: Arrives in great form, having netted twice in the group finale, posing a constant threat from the attack.
Harry Kane: The record-breaking scorer will be expected to lead the line and extend his knockout goal tally for the Three Lions.
Odds Market on MSport
England/Home to win = 1.31
DR Congo/Away to win = 12.30
Both teams to score (GG/NG Yes) = 2.70
Over 2.5 total goals = 1.97
This clash presents a classic clash of momentum: a dominant powerhouse in England faces a DR Congo team desperate to continue their historic World Cup run.
With both teams using this as a vital step toward the trophy, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium is set for a compelling international night.
