England and DR Congo meet at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 5:00pm BST. It marks the first-ever competitive encounter between the two nations — and both sides arrive with something to prove.

England's uneven group-stage showing

Thomas Tuchel's side topped their group unbeaten, collecting seven points from games against Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. A 4-2 victory over Croatia opened the tournament with promise, but England's subsequent performances raised more questions than answers.

A goalless draw with Ghana exposed a lack of creativity against a disciplined low block, a pattern that resurfaced against Panama before Jude Bellingham intervened — scoring and assisting in a 2-0 win that papered over the defensive cracks. Reece James and Jarell Quansah are both carrying fitness concerns, leaving England light at right-back. Panama created enough chances to punish a sharper side; DR Congo will take note.

The bright spots remain Bellingham and Harry Kane, who have shown the quality to be decisive when it matters. England will need both to be at their best.

DR Congo's remarkable run

For DR Congo, simply reaching the knockout stage is historic. The Leopards' only previous World Cup appearance came in 1974, when they competed as Zaire. Sebastien Desabre's side erased that distant memory by taking four points from group games against Portugal and Uzbekistan — a result that underlines they are no pushovers.

DR Congo have averaged among the lowest possession figures in the tournament, embracing a disciplined low block and relying on swift transitions. Only Ghana have averaged less of the ball. Under Desabre, the Leopards have kept 29 clean sheets in 57 matches — a record that speaks to genuine defensive organisation, even if none have come yet at this World Cup.

Their threat on the counter is real. Cedric Bakambu and Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa offer genuine pace and intelligence in behind opposition defences. Wissa arrives into the knockout stage with three goals already to his name and the confidence to expose England's vulnerability at the back.

Prediction

Having seen England struggle against deep-sitting defences, DR Congo will seek to replicate Ghana's approach while adding more punch on the break. The Three Lions will need to find another gear — but the class of Bellingham and Kane may ultimately prove the difference. FourFourTwo predicts England 3-1 DR Congo.