DR Congo: England's World Cup Opponents Unpacked

Fifty-two years after a chastening World Cup debut, DR Congo have earned redemption by qualifying for the knockout stages for the first time. Back in 1974, when known as Zaire, their three group defeats included a 9-0 hammering by Yugoslavia. They had not been to a World Cup since, until now, but head coach Sebastien Desabre has transformed a team who were in crisis when he took over nearly four years ago. He led them to fourth place at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and has instilled discipline and tactical nous.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Defensive Solidity

Defensive solidity has underpinned their improvement, as shown by 29 clean sheets in 57 games under Desabre. Since he took charge, DR Congo have never lost by more than a one-goal margin when able to call on Europe-based players. Swift counter-attacks utilise the prowess of strikers Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa at running in behind opposition defences. Mental resilience, often lacking in the past, was forged during a protracted qualifying campaign which included three play-off matches.

Weaknesses

DR Congo have seldom faced top-20 ranked sides in recent years, bar Senegal and Morocco – and they have a poor record against both. With the majority of the national team's regular starters struggling for playing time at their clubs in 2025-26, a lack of conditioning – and quality – is a concern.

Key Players

Chancel Mbemba

Central defender Chancel Mbemba, 31, is the team's captain and most-capped player. He remains integral to his country despite two seasons as a peripheral figure with clubs in France. The former Newcastle player is out of contract with Lille this summer.

Noah Sadiki

Belgium-born Noah Sadiki has added dynamism to DR Congo's midfield since earning his first cap in September 2024, albeit he was a surprise omission from their first two World Cup games. The 21-year-old has been a £15m revelation for Sunderland with his energy, athleticism and ball-carrying ability.

Yoane Wissa

Yoane Wissa's 2025-26 campaign never got going after joining Newcastle in a deal worth up to £55m. A serious knee injury delayed his debut and he only made eight starts in all competitions. However, the 29-year-old was the joint-top scoring African player in the World Cup group stage, with three goals. "We've got him back to his best," said coach Desabre.

Cedric Bakambu

Cedric Bakambu, 35, is the oldest member of the squad but still one of the most effective. The striker scored four times in the World Cup qualifiers and is on the cusp of becoming the country's record goalscorer.

Head Coach: Sebastien Desabre

This is Frenchman Sebastien Desabre's 11th coaching role in Africa. The 49-year-old has qualified DR Congo for successive Africa Cup of Nations, reaching the semi-finals in 2023, as well as the World Cup. He had previous success with Uganda.

Road to the Last 32

They earned the first World Cup point in their history by holding strongly-fancied Portugal to a 1-1 draw but then lost 1-0 to Colombia. That left DR Congo needing to beat Uzbekistan, which they duly did 3-1 to progress to the last 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.

Match Details and Fun Fact

Their last-32 tie against England will be live on BBC One on Wednesday 1 July, with build-up from 16:00 BST. The match will also be covered live on BBC Radio 5 Live, the BBC Sport website and app. Superfan Michel Kuka Mboladinga, who went viral at the Africa Cup of Nations for his eye-catching patriotism during games, has been included in DR Congo's official World Cup delegation at the request of the players.