Every World Cup has that one team that makes you stop scrolling and pay attention. A team nobody truly expected, showing up on the biggest stage and refusing to be moved. At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, that team is the Democratic Republic of Congo — and on Wednesday in Atlanta, their fairytale run collides head-on with one of football’s most storied nations.
England vs DR Congo. The Three Lions vs The Leopards. History vs destiny. And it all goes down at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta at noon ET.
Let’s set the scene.
England arrived in North America as one of the tournament favourites and have largely backed that billing up. Thomas Tuchel’s side topped Group L with seven points, beating Croatia 4-2 in a thrilling opener before grinding out a 2-0 win over Panama. The only blemish? A dull goalless draw with Ghana that had the English press sharpening their knives. But results matter in knockout football, and England have them. Harry Kane has been on fire, becoming England’s all-time top scorer at the World Cup with 11 goals in the competition’s history.
Jude Bellingham has been pulling strings in midfield. And Bukayo Saka has been a constant menace down the right. On paper, England look dangerous from everywhere.
But here’s the thing about paper — DR Congo didn’t read it, Lol
The Leopards are making their first-ever appearance in a World Cup knockout match, and their journey here has been nothing short of extraordinary. They sealed their World Cup spot with a 1-0 extra-time win over Jamaica, courtesy of Axel Tuanzebe’s 100th-minute winner in the inter-confederation playoffs.
They then arrived at the group stage and promptly held Portugal to a 1-1 draw on matchday one. They lost narrowly to Colombia, then produced a stunning 3-1 comeback win over Uzbekistan to sneak through as one of the best third-placed teams. You won’t find a dark horse in DR Congo — you’ll find a prowling, stubborn Leopard, primed and ready to spring a surprise.
The man at the heart of it all is Yoane Wissa. The Newcastle United forward has been absolutely electric, scoring 75% of DR Congo’s goals at the tournament, averaging a goal every 90 minutes — a staggering contrast to his one goal every 301 minutes for Newcastle this past club season. He has been saving his best for the world’s biggest stage, and England’s defense has been warned.
DR Congo manager Sébastien Desabre has built his side on a bedrock of defensive stability, securing 29 clean sheets in 57 matches during his tenure. At this tournament, he has deployed a rigid five-man defensive block to frustrate European heavyweights, and it has worked. The plan against England will be no different — absorb, compress, defend with discipline, and then spring Wissa and Cédric Bakambu on the counter at electric speed.
England know the threat. Tuchel has spoken openly about the need to stay focused, warning his squad not to look past the Leopards to a potential round of 16 date with Mexico. “If we get carried away and start talking about the round of 16, we will just get punished,” Tuchel said. That’s a manager who respects what’s in front of him — and rightly so.
The storylines are irresistible. Kane chasing knockout glory. Wissa chasing immortality. A nation of 100 million people behind the Leopards, willing them to make history. And an England fanbase desperate — after 60 long years — to finally believe again.
One team is playing with nothing to lose. The other is carrying the weight of a nation’s expectation. And in World Cup football, that combination produces magic every single time.
Atlanta is ready. The Leopards are hunting. The Lions must roar.
Don’t miss this one.
