England enters its round-of-32 World Cup match against DR Congo as the clear favorite. The knockout game is set for July 1, 2026, at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Win or go home.
Opta's predictive models give England a high probability of advancing, placing DR Congo as a significant underdog. The Congolese Leopards qualified from their group as a best third-place team, including a notable draw against Portugal.
England manager Thomas Tuchel faces a defensive headache. Injuries to Reece James and Jarell Quansah leave the backline reshuffled for this critical stage. England is expected to use a 4-2-3-1 formation to compensate.
DR Congo's tactical approach has been disciplined. They typically employ a back-three system designed to stay organized and attack on the counter, rather than control possession.
For DR Congo, reaching the knockout round is a historic achievement. The indoor, climate-controlled venue in Atlanta removes weather as a major factor. The city's large African diaspora could provide a more balanced atmosphere than the teams' rankings might suggest.