DR Congo starting lineup vs England confirmed as Yoane Wissa named for FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash

Both nations are set for a first-ever competitive clash.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is currently underway with its Round of 32 fixtures. With the passage of every match, numerous moments have defined the tournament, making itself the part of the competition’s long history.

DR Congo is one such team aiming to create history, as they are set to play heavyweights England in a highly anticipated encounter, a must-win clash for both nations in the Round of 32 at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

DR Congo are currently part of a historic campaign, making their first-ever World Cup knockout appearance since 1974. The nation managed to navigate a gruelling group stage to confirm their spot in the knockout rounds. A win tonight is essential to keep their hopes alive of making history and progressing into the Round of 16

Managed by Sébastien Desabre, the team will have to be highly disciplined and tactically equipped to create a result in the game. They have named their strongest squad for the tournament, featuring a mix of veteran defensive unit and explosive attacking talents. DR Congo are dubbed by many as a side capable of producing major upsets against elite European opposition.

They had an impressive run in their campaign so far, starting with a historic 1-1 draw against Portugal to secure their first-ever World Cup points. However, the side lost to Colombia 1-0, needing a win in their final game. DR Congo secured a dramatic 3-1 defeat against Uzbekistan to confirm their Round of 32 spot.

DR Congo’s lineup for the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against England:

DR Congo lineup (4-5-1): Lionel Mpasi (GK); Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba (c), Arthur Masuaku; Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Nathanaël Mbuku; Yoane Wissa, Cédric Bakambu, Brian Cipenga

Substitutes: Timothy Fayulu (GK), Matthieu Epolo (GK), Dylan Batubinsika, Joris Kayembe, Gédéon Kalulu, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Théo Bongonda, Gaël Kakuta, Aaron Tshibola, Charles Pickel, Edo Kayembe, Brian Cipenga, Meschack Elia, Fiston Mayele, Simon Banza, Steve Kapuadi

Thoughts on the Lineup

Lionel Mpasi starts between the posts, tasked with keeping England’s powerful attempts out of Congo’s goal line. He will be guarded by a rigid and compact back five. Captain Chancel Mbemba anchors the central defence alongside Axel Tuanzebe, providing the necessary aerial dominance and immense physicality against England’s attackers like Harry Kane.

Out wide, the experienced Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Arthur Masuaku operate in the full-back positions, carrying the massive responsibility of tracking England’s electric wingers while offering attacking options going forward.

In the centre of the pitch, Samuel Moutoussamy pairs up with youngster Noah Sadiki to act as the primary defensive midfielders, tasked with blocking passing lanes, covering half-spaces, and providing protection to the defence against England’s creative midfielders.

Just ahead of them, Nathanaël Mbuku occupies the advanced midfield role, tasked with navigating through tight spaces and using his technical vision to play out quick attacking transitions.

Up front, Yoane Wissa, the nation’s best player so far, who already scored 3 goals in the group stage, partners alongside the veteran forward Cedric Bakambu to form a two-man frontline. They are tasked with using their raw pace, clinical positioning, and intelligent movements to stretch England’s backline, to facilitate counter-attacks efficiently, and convert the crucial chances for DR Congo to secure a historic passage to the next round.

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