DR Congo are heading into the last 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 — their first-ever knockout stage appearance — as a team that has already rattled one of the pre-tournament favourites. England and manager Thomas Tuchel would be wise not to take the Leopards lightly.

A blueprint built on defensive discipline

Sébastien Desabre's side held Portugal — shackling Cristiano Ronaldo through a combination of captain Chancel Mbemba and Axel Tuanzebe at the back — and were arguably the better team on the day. Yoane Wissa's headed goal capped a performance that many felt deserved all three points.

Against Colombia, DR Congo showed equal resilience. Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi produced an inspired display to keep Colombia at bay despite sustained late pressure, with DR Congo's defensive identity remaining intact even when their backline looked stretched.

Under Desabre's four-year stewardship, DR Congo have never lost by more than one goal — a remarkable record that puts Tuchel's England in perspective. England have already suffered a 3-1 defeat to Senegal on Tuchel's watch.

DR Congo find their results in low-scoring contests. In two-thirds of their matches under Desabre, they have scored one goal or fewer. Against Portugal and Colombia, Desabre deployed a back five with three midfielders and a front two, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Arthur Masuaku operating as disciplined wing-backs rather than attacking outlets.

According to FIFA's style metrics, England are among just four teams whose playing style differs most from DR Congo's — making this a genuine tactical mismatch. Ghana exposed England's lack of penetration in much the same way earlier in the tournament, and the Black Stars' counterattacking moments should serve as a warning. Desabre's side have the patience to exploit exactly those same vulnerabilities.

Wissa's threat cannot be ignored

For all their defensive solidity, DR Congo carry a genuine attacking punch, and Wissa is the man delivering it. The Newcastle United striker has scored three goals in three group-stage matches — matching Harry Kane's tally and surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo's return. That already represents three times his entire Newcastle United league output since his £55 million move to the Magpies, having missed the Africa Cup of Nations as a goodwill gesture to the club.

Cédric Bakambu of Real Betis has yet to register a shot on target, but Desabre showed his tactical flexibility against Uzbekistan by introducing Fiston Mayele — the Pyramids forward who was named the men's Interclub African Player of the Year this season. Mayele provided the composure in front of goal that Bakambu had failed to offer, and the switch to a flat back four, combined with the introductions of wingers Nathan Mbuku and Brian Cipenga, proved decisive in DR Congo's historic victory.

The personal stories running through this match

This fixture carries weight beyond the tactical. Several DR Congo players have deep roots in English football. Tuanzebe was born in Bunia before moving to Rochdale as a young child, going on to earn a footballing education at Manchester United — where he even captained the side on one occasion — and he represented England at youth level alongside the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke.

Wan-Bissaka was born and raised in south London and came close enough to the senior England setup to earn a squad call-up under Gareth Southgate in 2019. Masuaku is a familiar name to fans of West Ham and Sunderland, while midfielder Aaron Tshibola — born in east London and formerly of Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest — now plays for Kilmarnock. Sunderland's Noah Sadiki is another highly regarded member of Desabre's squad.

England, too, have a DR Congo connection. Ezri Konsa, part of Tuchel's squad, would have been eligible to represent the Leopards.

A nation writing its own history

DR Congo — formerly known as Zaire when they became the first sub-Saharan African nation to qualify for a World Cup back in 1974 — have waited 52 years to return to this stage. Wednesday's clash with England marks the most successful period in a generation for the Leopards, and the entire nation will be watching, hoping the players wearing its colours rise to the occasion once more.