An iron defense, built over years
The backbone of the Congolese national team is its defense. Since Sébastien Desabre took over as head coach, the Congolese have recorded 29 clean sheets in 57 matches, a figure that speaks volumes about the collective defensive solidity implemented by the manager. This back line relies on players experienced at the European elite level: captain Chancel Mbemba is supported by regulars from the Premier League and the European stage such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, and Arthur Masuaku. A unit that rarely concedes by more than a single goal when at full strength.
For this round of 16, Desabre is expected to return to a low and compact block, designed to close down spaces and absorb English pressure before striking on the break
Proven ability to unsettle top teams
The Leopards did not discover pressure during this World Cup. They have already faced it—and mastered it. Against Portugal in the group stage opener, considered one of group L’s favorites, DR Congo stood their ground and snatched a 1-1 draw. This result was no fluke: it illustrates the manager’s ability to adapt his setup, switching between a back five and a back four depending on the opponent, in order to neutralize teams supposedly superior on paper. This tactical intelligence, already effective against a highly rated Portuguese team, can just as easily be applied against England.
A balanced midfield, a striker on fire
The Congolese midfield combines physical presence with forward-thinking vision. The duo of Noah Sadiki and Ngal’ayel Mukau offers both athletic impact and genuine ball-carrying ability, enough to put pressure on the English full-backs and make their defensive transitions more difficult
Up front, DR Congo has a formidable counter-attacking weapon in Yoane Wissa. The striker, now accustomed to the Premier League, had an outstanding group stage: he scored 3 of his team’s 4 goals in the tournament, putting him among the competition’s top scorers. His extra asset is his in-depth knowledge of the English league and his opponents for the night, whom he faces week in and week out at club level. Combined with Cédric Bakambu’s pace and sense for goal, they form a direct attacking line, perfectly suited to pounce on the slightest defensive lapse from England.
A team built to endure and strike
Beyond individual qualities, it’s the collective spirit that could make the difference. Throughout the group stage, DR Congo showed its ability to consistently put in effort, defend deep for long stretches, and remain tactically disciplined—qualities essential against an England side likely to launch numerous attacks and dominate possession
On paper, Thomas Tuchel’s England goes in as favorites, buoyed by a generally well-managed group stage and a tremendous squad. But football isn’t just about what’s on paper. With an experienced and solid defense, a collective able to suffer without breaking, and Yoane Wissa in top form and familiar surroundings, the Leopards have all the tools to repeat their first-round heroics and write, in Atlanta, one of the most beautiful chapters in their history
