England Faces DR Congo in FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockout Opener

Atlanta. England will play the first match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage on Wednesday in Atlanta, where they will compete against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in the last 32. The 'Three Lions' have already had a tough experience against an African opponent in this World Cup. This will be the first-ever meeting between England and DR Congo. After an impressive start by beating Croatia 4-2 in the first match, the Three Lions could not maintain their inspirational performance until the end of the group stage. England drew goalless with Ghana at the Gillette Stadium and won 2-0 against Panama over the weekend, but even that win was hard-fought. Coach Thomas Tuchel has said his team will get stronger as the tournament progresses. However, the challenge from the 'Leopards' (DR Congo) in the knockout stage will not be easy. DR Congo, playing under the name Zaire in the 1974 World Cup, has performed impressively in North America this time. Sebastien Desabre's team drew with Portugal in Group K and gave a tough challenge to Colombia. DR Congo then reached the next stage by securing a 3-1 comeback victory against debutant Uzbekistan. This resilient team, which has succeeded in uniting its supporters amidst long-standing division and conflict in its homeland, will now aim for the biggest and most unexpected victory in its history. The Three Lions are aiming to find their winning path. England needs to be cautious, not only warned by Ghana and, to some extent, Panama, but also by Paraguay in the Round of 32. Paraguay's performance, which defeated four-time World Cup winner Germany in a penalty shootout, has boosted DR Congo's confidence while making England extremely wary. Although England's form has dipped slightly after their excellent performance against Croatia, Thomas Tuchel's team is still in good shape. The players selected by Tuchel are believed to be more effective against teams that give them space. However, DR Congo is less likely to provide such an opportunity to England. England will need an early goal to avoid tension. However, DR Congo has already proven in Group K that they are a very dangerous team on the counter-attack. Expect decisive performances from superstars. Although England's overall performance has not met expectations, Thomas Tuchel has two of the world's best players. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane created crucial goals for England, which struggled for the first hour against Panama, to reach the next stage as group winners. With these two superstars in excellent form, England has the ability to break down DR Congo's resistance. Kane, who has scored three goals, will be on his way to winning his second World Cup Golden Boot. England's history against African teams in the World Cup is very good. In the nine encounters so far, England has won five matches and kept clean sheets in seven. However, the goalless draw with Ghana was England's fourth 0-0 result against an African team. If England wins on Wednesday, that victory is also likely to be hard-fought. England's probable starting lineup. Questions have arisen about Thomas Tuchel's team selection after Reece James suffered a hamstring injury during the goalless draw against Ghana. After removing Tino Livramento and including Trevoh Chalobah in the squad before the tournament, Tuchel now only has Jaden Spence as a natural right-back. Jarrell Quansah is another option, but his participation on Wednesday is uncertain due to an ankle injury sustained against Panama. Another positive for the team is that Declan Rice, who was rested in the final group game, is expected to return to midfield. He will partner with Elliot Anderson. Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United has yet to get playing time. On the left wing, Marcus Rashford is likely to replace Anthony Gordon. On the right, fans expect Bukayo Saka to gradually regain his form. He has been struggling with an Achilles problem for some time. England's probable team (4-2-3-1): Pickford, Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O'Riley, Anderson, Rice, Saka, Bellingham, Rashford, and Kane. DR Congo's probable starting lineup. Sebastien Desabre adopted a four-defender strategy in the must-win match against Uzbekistan. However, against England, he is almost certain to revert to a 5-3-2 defensive formation. Not many changes are expected among the players. The team includes many names familiar to English football fans. Yoane Wissa, who had a difficult season at Newcastle United, has scored three goals in the group stage. On Wednesday, he will lead the attack with the experienced Cedric Bakambu. Sunderland's Noah Sadiki will play in midfield. Four of the probable five-man defense are currently playing in the Premier League or have played in the English top division before. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, and Arthur Masuaku will be tasked with stopping the Three Lions in Atlanta. DR Congo's probable team (5-3-2): Mpassey, Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Kapuadi, Masuaku, Sadiki, Moutoussamy, Mukau, Bakambu, and Wissa. Match details: Venue: Atlanta, Georgia (United States) Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium Date/Time: Asar 17 (July 1) Wednesday, 9:45 PM (Nepali time) Referee: Adham Makhadmeh (Jordan)