DR Congo face England at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday evening in a World Cup last 32 tie that represents the most significant match in the country’s football history.
Sébastien Desabre’s side qualified as the highest-ranked third-place team in the tournament, finishing one point behind Portugal in Group K. They enter this fixture having already held a European heavyweight and come from behind to win in the group stage. A nation more accustomed to footballing heartbreak than celebration, DR Congo arrives in Atlanta with a genuine belief that they can cause an upset.
Desabre has no injury concerns to manage and is expected to revert to the 5-3-2 system used in two of the three group-stage matches, having switched to a back four for the must-win game against Uzbekistan. The personnel in the back five provide a familiarity with English football that is arguably unique in this tournament.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, at right wing-back, spent several years at Manchester United and knows Premier League football intimately. Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba — the captain with over 100 caps — and Arthur Masuaku complete a defensive unit built on experience and Premier League pedigree.
Yoane Wissa is the tournament’s breakout performer from the DR Congo squad. The Newcastle United forward had a difficult season in the Premier League but has been transformed at this World Cup, scoring three of the Leopards’ four group-stage goals — including a header against Portugal and a brace against Uzbekistan.
Sébastien Desabre’s side qualified as the highest-ranked third-place team in the tournament, finishing one point behind Portugal in Group K. They enter this fixture having already held a European heavyweight and come from behind to win in the group stage. A nation more accustomed to footballing heartbreak than celebration, DR Congo arrives in Atlanta with a genuine belief that they can cause an upset.
Desabre has no injury concerns to manage and is expected to revert to the 5-3-2 system used in two of the three group-stage matches, having switched to a back four for the must-win game against Uzbekistan. The personnel in the back five provide a familiarity with English football that is arguably unique in this tournament.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, at right wing-back, spent several years at Manchester United and knows Premier League football intimately. Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba — the captain with over 100 caps — and Arthur Masuaku complete a defensive unit built on experience and Premier League pedigree.
Yoane Wissa is the tournament’s breakout performer from the DR Congo squad. The Newcastle United forward had a difficult season in the Premier League but has been transformed at this World Cup, scoring three of the Leopards’ four group-stage goals — including a header against Portugal and a brace against Uzbekistan.
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