Along the way, DR Congo showed resilience against some of the world’s strongest sides. The team opened with a valuable draw against Portugal, suffered a narrow defeat to Colombia, and then produced a decisive victory over Uzbekistan to clinch a historic ticket to the Round of 32. That achievement alone represented one of the country’s finest moments on the World Cup stage.

The dream nearly continued against England. DR Congo took the lead and came within touching distance of one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history before the Three Lions produced a dramatic comeback to turn the match around. It was a heartbreaking ending, but one that does little to diminish what the team accomplished throughout the tournament.

Are DR Congo out of the 2026 World Cup?

Yes. England completed a great comeback to defeat DR Congo 2-1, eliminating the African nation from the 2026 World Cup. After taking an early lead, the Leopards were unable to hold off England’s late surge, ending their historic campaign in the Round of 32.

A tournament to remember for DR Congo

Despite the elimination, this World Cup will be remembered as a landmark achievement for DR Congo. They not only reached the knockout stage for the first time but also proved they could compete with some of the biggest nations in international soccer. Their performances throughout the group stage made them one of the tournament’s breakout teams. For many supporters, this campaign has laid the foundation for an even brighter future.

Who will England play next in 2026 World Cup?

England advance to the Round of 16, where the Three Lions will face Mexico next Sunday. After surviving a major scare against DR Congo, England remain alive in their pursuit of a first World Cup title since 1966, while the Leopards return home with one of the most memorable campaigns in their football history.

The difficulty of this stage is not only due to the strong form of their opponents, but also because it will be played in hostile territory. The match will take place at Estadio Azteca next Sunday, July 5.

A passionate and vocal crowd, the challenges of playing at altitude, and hot, humid conditions all await England. Can the Three Lions continue their World Cup run and overcome another major test?

England’s potential path to the final

England had to work much harder than expected, but they managed to overcome DR Congo in the Round of 32 with Harry Kane scoring a brace. Even tougher challenges now await, provided they can get past Mexico in the Round of 16.

Brazil or Norway would await England in the quarterfinals. Should they advance to the semifinals, they could face Argentina or Cape Verde, Australia or Egypt, Colombia or Ghana, or Switzerland or Algeria.

In a dream scenario, potential opponents in the final could include Paraguay, France, Canada, Morocco, Portugal, Croatia, Spain, Austria, the United States, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belgium, or Senegal.

England’s only World Cup title

England’s sole World Cup glory came in 1966, when they hosted the tournament and defeated West Germany 4–2 in an iconic and dramatic final at Wembley Stadium. The match is immortalized by Geoff Hurst, who scored a historic hat-trick—including the famous, highly debated “ghost goal” that struck the crossbar and bounced near the goal line.

Captained by the flawless Bobby Moore and inspired by the brilliance of Bobby Charlton, the Three Lions lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy on home soil, marking the absolute pinnacle of English soccer history.

Spence came off the bench against Croatia and Panama, and started England’s group-stage match against Ghana. He has now been selected again for the opening knockout game.

One detail that has caught the attention of fans, however, is the protective mask he continues to wear during matches. There’s a very important reason to explain that situation.

Why is Djed Spence wearing a mask?

Djed Spence wears the mask after suffering a fractured jaw in May. The injury occurred when the Tottenham defender received a heavy elbow from Chelsea striker Liam Delap during a match, forcing him to begin wearing facial protection while recovering. Although he was able to return to action, doctors recommended that he continue using the mask to reduce the risk of further damage.

What kind of mask is Djed Spence wearing?

The mask is a custom-molded protective face mask designed specifically for Spence. In addition to protecting him from direct contact, it has helped stabilize the fractured jaw over the past several weeks as the bone continues to heal. It allows the England defender to compete without significantly affecting his vision or movement.

Will Djed Spence continue wearing the mask?

For now, yes. Until doctors determine that the fracture has fully healed, Djed Spence is expected to continue wearing the protective mask during matches. Despite the unusual appearance, it has not prevented him from becoming one of Thomas Tuchel’s most trusted defensive options during England’s run at the 2026 World Cup.

He represented France at youth level before committing his senior international career to DR Congo. The shot-stopper developed in the academies of Paris Saint-Germain and Toulouse before establishing himself at Rodez.

From helping Sebastien Desabre‘s team reach the knockout rounds of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations to securing his place in the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he has become an integral part of the DR Congo national team, which features Premier League talent.

How old is Lionel Mpasi?

Lionel Mpasi is 31 years old. The goalkeeper was born on August 1, 1994, in Meaux, France, to Congolese parents. Although he represented France at youth international level, he later switched his allegiance to DR Congo. Mpasi is among the players born abroad representing DR Congo at the 2026 World Cup.

His path to professional soccer was anything but straightforward. After developing in the academies of US Torcy, Paris Saint-Germain and Toulouse, he spent several years trying to establish himself before finding stability with Rodez.

How tall is Lionel Mpasi?

Lionel Mpasi stands 1.82 meters (6 feet) tall. While he isn’t among the tallest goalkeepers, he has built his reputation through quick reflexes, positioning and composure rather than relying solely on his physical presence.

His athleticism has made him a reliable last line of defense for both club and country. Throughout his career, he has been praised for his shot-stopping ability and calm distribution, qualities that helped him secure the starting role.

Which clubs has Lionel Mpasi played for?

Lionel Mpasi has played for Paris Saint-Germain II, Toulouse II, Rodez, Rodez II and Le Havre. His career has been spent entirely in France, progressing through the country’s soccer pyramid before reaching Ligue 1.

He began his youth career with US Torcy before joining Paris Saint-Germain’s academy in 2009. He later moved to Toulouse, where he continued his development but never made a first-team appearance.

After leaving the club, he briefly found himself without a team before signing with Rodez in 2016. He helped the club earn promotion to Ligue 2 and became its first-choice goalkeeper, making more than 120 league appearances.

When did Lionel Mpasi make his DR Congo debut?

Lionel Mpasi made his senior debut for DR Congo — with the abbreviation COD for FIFA — on February 1, 2022. He came on as a second-half substitute in a friendly against Bahrain, marking the beginning of his international career with the Leopards.

Although he had been called up before without playing, that appearance officially tied him to DR Congo. From that point forward, he steadily earned the coaching staff’s trust and became a regular selection in the national team squad.

His breakthrough came during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he established himself as the team’s starting goalkeeper. The tournament significantly raised his profile, thanks to a series of composed performances.

Lionel Mpasi’s career highlights

• Developed through Paris Saint-Germain and Toulouse’s academies: Mpasi spent his formative years at two of France’s most respected youth systems, helping lay the foundation for his professional career before moving into senior soccer.

• Helped Rodez climb the French soccer pyramid: After joining Rodez in 2016, he was part of the squad that won the Championnat National in 2018-19, securing promotion to Ligue 2. He later became the club’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper and made more than 130 appearances across all competitions.

• Became DR Congo’s No. 1 goalkeeper: Following his senior international debut in 2022, Mpasi quickly established himself as the Leopards’ starting goalkeeper, earning regular call-ups and becoming one of the team’s most reliable performers.

• Starred at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations: Mpasi played every match as DR Congo reached the semifinals of the tournament. His calm performances and key saves were instrumental in the country’s best AFCON run in nearly a decade.

• Scored the winning penalty against Egypt: One of the most unforgettable moments of his career came in the AFCON Round of 16, when the goalkeeper confidently converted the decisive penalty in the shootout victory over Egypt after the match ended 1-1. It was a rare and iconic moment for a goalkeeper on one of Africa’s biggest stages.

• Scored his first professional goal: On October 21, 2024, Mpasi headed home a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer for Rodez against Lorient, registering the first goal of his professional career as a goalkeeper.

• Reached Ligue 1 with Le Havre: After spending nine seasons at Rodez, his consistent performances earned him a transfer to Le Havre in 2025, giving him the opportunity to compete in France’s top division for the first time in his career.

England, led by Harry Kane, confirmed their status as the dominant force in Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, claiming seven points from an unbeaten group stage run. The Three Lions advanced after defeating Croatia, drawing with Ghana, and closing the group stage with a victory over Panama.

DR Congo, meanwhile, reached the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams after drawing with Portugal, narrowly losing to Colombia, and beating Uzbekistan. With a place in the Round of 16 on the line, FIFA has confirmed the uniform combinations both teams will wear for today’s elimination match in Atlanta. The winner of England vs DR Congo today will move on to the next stage of the tournament.

What uniform is England wearing today?

England will wear a predominantly white jersey with red accents, paired with white shorts featuring red trim and white socks with navy blue details. The Three Lions goalkeeper will be dressed in a dark green kit, including a matching jersey, shorts, and socks. In addition, Djed Spence continues to play with a protective mask.

What uniform is DR Congo wearing today?

DR Congo, which has several Premier League players, will take the field wearing a blue jersey, blue shorts, and blue socks for this Round of 32 clash. The Leopards’ goalkeeper will be dressed in a port red kit, consisting of a matching jersey, shorts, and socks. DR Congo’s squad also includes players born overseas, as the team aims to shock world soccer on the biggest stage.

Match officials, led by referee Adham Makhadmeh, will wear yellow uniforms, while ball attendants will be dressed in dark gray. England’s substitutes will use olive green training bibs on the sidelines. DR Congo’s substitutes and staff will wear magenta bibs during the match as the team looks to extend their run in the tournament.

DR Congo have four Premier League players on their squad, meaning there is some familiarity between the sides. However, their 41st-place ranking puts them at a disadvantage in this standing.

Are these numbers decisive in how the match will unfold? Perhaps not. In fact, the Leopards have proven to be a tough and resilient opponent, with DR Congo boasting some foreign talent. Harry Kane and his teammates will need to elevate their performance to secure victory and book their place in the next round.

How many points do England and DR Congo have in the rankings?

England are currently in the top five of the FIFA rankings, sitting in fourth place with 1,840.46 points, following their 2-0 win over Panama in the group stage. DR Congo, meanwhile, climbed five places after advancing from the group stage and now sit on 1,495.48 points, moving ahead of teams such as Scotland and Cameroon.

England seek a place in the Round of 16

The 1966 World Cup remains the only time England have been crowned champions of the tournament, doing so on home soil. Now, in 2026, hopes are rising once again after they topped their group stage.

Jordanian referee Adham Makhadmeh has been appointed to officiate the match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which is expected to be at full capacity. The Three Lions, should they secure victory, will face Mexico next Sunday, July 5.

The French manager has built his reputation across African soccer, transforming the Leopards into one of the competition’s biggest surprises through tactical discipline and years of experience on the continent. His DR Congo squad includes some players born abroad, while the strength of DR Congo’s roster can also be explained with the presence of Premier League talent.

His managerial journey has taken him through clubs in Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Tunisia, Angola, Morocco, Egypt and France, while also serving as Uganda‘s national team coach before taking over DR Congo in August 2022. Now, he leads a team that includes goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.

How old is Sebastien Desabre?

Sebastien Desabre is 49 years old. The manager was born on August 2, 1976, in Valence, France, and has spent nearly two decades building a coaching career that has taken him across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

How tall is Sebastien Desabre?

Sebastien Desabre is 6-foot (1.82 meters) tall. Although height is rarely highlighted for football managers, several soccer databases list the French coach at 182 centimeters (6 ft).

Nicknamed “The Florist”, he is known far more for his calm presence on the touchline and tactical discipline than for his physical profile. His coaching philosophy emphasizes defensive organization, teamwork and quick transitions.

Which teams has Sebastien Desabre coached?

Sebastien Desabre has coached clubs and national teams in France, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Tunisia, Angola, the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Uganda and DR Congo — whose abbreviation is COD. His managerial career began with ES Cannet-Rocheville.

His extensive experience across multiple leagues has made him one of the most traveled and accomplished French coaches working in African soccer. His coaching résumé includes:

• ES Cannet-Rocheville (France)
• ASEC Mimosas (Ivory Coast)
• Coton Sport (Cameroon)
• Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia)
• Recreativo do Libolo (Angola)
• Dubai CSC (United Arab Emirates)
• JS Saoura (Algeria)
• Wydad AC (Morocco, twice)
• Ismaily SC (Egypt)
• Uganda national team
• Pyramids FC (Egypt)
• Chamois Niortais (France)
• DR Congo national team

When did Sebastien Desabre make his debut as DR Congo head coach?

Sebastien Desabre was appointed DR Congo head coach on August 7, 2022. He replaced Argentine manager Hector Cuper after the Leopards failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

His appointment marked the beginning of a long-term project aimed at returning DR Congo to the world’s biggest tournament for the first time since 1974. Under his leadership, the team reached the semifinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Sebastien Desabre’s career highlights

• Won multiple domestic titles with ASEC Mimosas (Ivory Coast): Desabre announced himself on the African coaching scene after taking charge of ASEC Mimosas in 2010. During his two-year spell, he captured several domestic trophies, establishing himself as one of the continent’s rising managers.

• Guided Coton Sport to the Cameroon league title and a CAF Champions League semifinal: After moving to Cameroon, he led Coton Sport to the Elite One championship and a place in the 2012-13 CAF Champions League semifinals, one of the club’s best continental campaigns.

• Added more silverware with Recreativo do Libolo and Wydad AC: Desabre continued collecting trophies by winning the Angolan Super Cup with Recreativo do Libolo before later helping Wydad AC capture the Moroccan league title, adding to his growing résumé across Africa.

• Led Uganda to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage: As Uganda’s national team coach, Desabre qualified the Cranes for the 2019 AFCON and guided them to the Round of 16, marking the country’s first appearance in the tournament’s knockout stage in more than 40 years.

• Revived DR Congo after taking over in 2022: Appointed in August 2022, Desabre inherited a team that had failed to qualify for the previous Africa Cup of Nations. He quickly transformed the Leopards into one of Africa’s most competitive national teams, leading them to an unbeaten AFCON qualifying campaign.

• Reached the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semifinals: Under Desabre, DR Congo enjoyed its best AFCON run in nearly a decade by reaching the semifinals, reinforcing the team’s return to prominence on the continental stage.

• Qualified DR Congo for the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Perhaps the greatest achievement of his career came when he guided DR Congo back to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1974, ending a 52-year absence from soccer’s biggest tournament. The qualification fulfilled the main objective established when he accepted the job in 2022.

Few expected the African nation to survive the group stage, but an impressive recovery in their final match secured a place in the knockout rounds. Now, DR Congo faces its toughest challenge yet against England with a spot in the Round of 16 on the line. The presence of Premier League talent on DR Congo’s roster could help pull off an upset, though.

The team’s remarkable run has also translated into a significant rise in the FIFA World Rankings, highlighting just how much they have accomplished during the tournament.

What is DR Congo’s current FIFA ranking?

DR Congo are currently ranked No. 41 in the FIFA World Ranking with 1,495.48 points. Throughout the 2026 World Cup, the Leopards have climbed five places in the live rankings, making one of the biggest jumps of any nation in the competition.

How has the World Cup affected DR Congo’s FIFA ranking?

DR Congo earned 12.76 FIFA ranking points after opening the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Portugal. The team then lost 14.81 points following their narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia before producing their biggest boost of the tournament by defeating Uzbekistan 3-1, a result that added 23.10 points to their FIFA total.

Can DR Congo continue climbing?

Yes. The challenge becomes much tougher in the Round of 32, where DR Congo will face one of the tournament favorites and highest-ranked FIFA teams in England. A victory over the Three Lions would not only send the African nation into the Round of 16 but would also provide another significant boost in the FIFA rankings while strengthening one of the most remarkable Cinderella stories of the 2026 World Cup.

DR Congo, ranked No. 41 by FIFA, is aiming to pull off another upset in what will be the nation’s first-ever World Cup knockout match. The winner will secure a place in the Round of 16 against Mexico. Today’s match will be played at Atlanta Stadium in Georgia.

One of the premier venues of the World Cup, the stadium has a FIFA capacity of 75,000 and features a retractable roof, meaning the weather outside is unlikely to affect playing conditions inside. A near-capacity crowd is expected but fans won’t be seeing Bukayo Saka play from the start. Another surprising sight might be the mask worn by Djed Spence.

What will the weather be like for England vs DR Congo?

Weather is expected to be hot in Atlanta, but it should have little impact on the match itself because Atlanta Stadium is a climate-controlled venue. According to the forecast, temperatures are expected to reach the low 90s°F (around 33°C).

Although the conditions outside will be uncomfortable for fans arriving at the stadium or attending the FIFA Fan Festival, the playing environment inside Atlanta Stadium will remain air-conditioned.

Local authorities have urged supporters to take precautions before heading to the match, including staying hydrated, wearing light clothing and arriving early to avoid the midday heat. Water stations will also be available.

FIFA has established weather protocols for all World Cup matches. If conditions warrant it, referees may order mandatory cooling breaks, allowing players to rehydrate during each half. Medical staff also remain on alert.

What is the expected attendance for England vs DR Congo?

A crowd of around 75,000 fans is expected for England vs DR Congo, with Atlanta Stadium likely to operate near its full FIFA capacity. The Round of 32 matchup, with Jordanian referee Adham Makhadmeh officiating England against DR Congo, is one of the highest-profile fixtures being played in Atlanta.

Atlanta Stadium has a FIFA capacity of 75,000 spectators and is hosting eight World Cup matches. England supporters have traveled in large numbers, filling bars and gathering throughout downtown Atlanta ahead of the match.

While FIFA does not release official attendance figures until after kickoff, local organizers are preparing for one of the busiest matchdays. Thousands more supporters are also expected at the FIFA Fan Festival in Centennial Olympic Park.

The African side has four Premier League players on its 2026 World Cup roster, giving DR Congo valuable top-level experience ahead of one of the biggest matches in the nation’s soccer history. England are one of the highest-ranked teams by FIFA and represent a powerhouse in global soccer.

DR Congo earned qualification for the knockout stage after drawing with Portugal, narrowly losing to Colombia, and defeating Uzbekistan in their final group match. But what happens today against England could determine DR Congo’s World Cup campaign.

Which Premier League players are in DR Congo’s World Cup squad?

The Premier League players selected by DR Congo coach Sebastian Desabre to play at the 2026 World Cup are:

• Yoane Wissa — Newcastle United
• Aaron Wan-Bissaka — West Ham United (recently relegated to EFL Championship)
• Axel Tuanzebe — Burnley (recently relegated to EFL Championship)
• Noah Sadiki — Sunderland

Wissa has become one of the team’s most dangerous attacking threats, while Wan-Bissaka and Tuanzebe provide experience and stability in defense. Sadiki, meanwhile, represents one of the younger talents in the squad and has continued his development in English soccer.

Premier League experience could be crucial against England

While DR Congo’s FIFA ranking suggests they enter the match as underdogs, having four players competing in the Premier League gives the Leopards a level of familiarity with the pace, physicality, and tactical demands that England’s stars bring to the field.

That experience will be tested in Atlanta as DR Congo look to extend their remarkable World Cup journey. A victory over The Three Lions would send the African nation into the Round of 16 and mark one of the most memorable achievements in their soccer history.

The Three Lions currently hold the edge over their African counterparts in the FIFA World Ranking, although that is by no means decisive. In fact, Thomas Tuchel‘s side showed signs of inconsistency during the group stage.

Jordanian referee Adham Makhadmeh will be the man in charge of officiating the clash between England and DR Congo. Meanwhile, Atlanta Stadium is set to provide the stage for what promises to be an intriguing Round of 32 encounter.

What happens if England defeat DR Congo?

Should England defeat DR Congo, they will secure a place in the Round of 16, where they would face Mexico, who booked their spot by eliminating Ecuador on Tuesday. According to the updated tournament bracket, that matchup is scheduled for Sunday, July 5, at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca. As for DR Congo, a loss eliminates them from the World Cup.

What happens if England and DR Congo draw?

If England and DR Congo are level at the end of regulation, the match will go to extra time. The additional period consists of two 15-minute halves, and there is no golden goal rule in effect.

If the deadlock remains after extra time, the match will be decided by a penalty shootout. The winner of the shootout will secure a place in the Round of 16 against Mexico.

What happens if England lose to DR Congo today?

If England lose to DR Congo, the Three Lions will be eliminated and their dream of winning a second FIFA World Cup title will come to an end. In that scenario, the African side would advance to the Round of 16, where it would face Mexico on Sunday.