FIFA World Cup 2026: Tuchel eyes changes as England face DR Congo in Round of 32
Synopsis
England head into the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 with unresolved selection headaches — Saka vs Madueke, Rice's fitness, James still out. Their opponents DR Congo, who drew with Portugal and knocked out Uzbekistan, are no soft touch. Tuchel's team management in this match could define how far England go.
Key Takeaways
England face DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 , having topped Group L .
Thomas Tuchel is expected to recall Declan Rice , who missed the Panama match with a calf problem.
Jude Bellingham scored and assisted in England's 2-0 win over Panama ; England are yet to concede in the tournament.
Reece James remains sidelined with a hamstring injury; Jarell Quansah is doubtful after an ankle twist.
DR Congo beat Uzbekistan , drew with Portugal , and lost narrowly 1-0 to Colombia in the group stage.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka , former England Under-21 defender, features for DR Congo alongside Yoane Wissa and Cedric Bakambu .
England head coach Thomas Tuchel is set to ring in changes to his starting XI as the Group L winners prepare to take on DR Congo in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in New York. The match represents England's first knockout test of the tournament, and questions about their ability to unlock disciplined defensive setups have followed them into the last 32.
England's Group Stage Picture
England secured top spot in Group L with a 2-0 victory over Panama, having been held to a goalless draw by Ghana in an earlier fixture. The wins were not without concern — their defence left exploitable gaps that more clinical opponents could have punished, even as England kept a clean sheet across all group matches.
Against Panama, it was Jude Bellingham who proved the difference, opening the scoring with a smart finish from a corner before teeing up Harry Kane for the second. Two moments of individual brilliance papered over a performance that lacked consistent rhythm.
Tuchel's Likely Lineup Tweaks
The most significant expected change is the return of midfielder Declan Rice, who sat out the Panama match with a minor calf problem. Rice is anticipated to slot back alongside Elliot Anderson in midfield, with Morgan Rogers likely to make way.
Djed Spence is expected to start at right-back, with Nico O'Reilly on the left. Spence's ability to provide width on the overlap could add a new attacking dimension. On the right wing, Tuchel faces a selection call between Bukayo Saka — who looked short of full match fitness against Panama — and Noni Madueke, who struggled to make an impact in the same game.
Marcus Rashford, arguably England's brightest performer against Panama, is expected to keep his place on the left flank ahead of Anthony Gordon.
Absences remain a concern. Reece James continues to recover from a hamstring injury, while Jarell Quansah is doubtful after twisting his ankle on Saturday.
DR Congo: The Tournament's Surprise Package
DR Congo have been one of the standout stories of the FIFA World Cup 2026, advancing from the group stage after defeating Uzbekistan, drawing with Portugal, and narrowly losing 1-0 to Colombia. Their progress has drawn attention to a squad that blends European club experience with genuine international pedigree.
Notably, competing as Zaire, DR Congo became the first Sub-Saharan African nation to appear at a FIFA World Cup in 1974 — a campaign that ended in three defeats, including a historic 9-0 loss to Yugoslavia. The current generation is widely regarded as a far stronger outfit.
Key DR Congo Threats
England will need to account for experienced campaigners including Cedric Bakambu, Noah Sadiki, Yoane Wissa, Axel Tuanzebe, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka — the former England Under-21 defender who now represents DR Congo. Several squad members ply their trade in France, giving the side a cohesion and tactical familiarity that belies their underdog status.
England will be wary of complacency as they bid to advance to the Round of 16, with Tuchel's side yet to be truly tested at this tournament.
Point of View
High-tempo system that does not rely on Bellingham moments of magic. DR Congo's draw with Portugal is not a fluke; they are organised, physically imposing, and carry genuine attacking threat through Wissa and Bakambu. If England fail to impose themselves early, this could be an uncomfortable evening — and a premature exit from a tournament they entered as dark-horse contenders.
NationPress
30 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When do England play DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup 2026?
England face DR Congo in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The match is England's first knockout fixture of the tournament after they topped Group L.
What changes is Thomas Tuchel expected to make for the DR Congo match?
Tuchel is expected to recall Declan Rice to midfield after the midfielder missed the Panama game with a minor calf problem. Morgan Rogers is likely to make way, while Djed Spence is anticipated to start at right-back. A decision is also pending between Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke on the right wing.
Who is unavailable for England against DR Congo?
Reece James remains out with a hamstring injury, while Jarell Quansah is doubtful after twisting his ankle on Saturday. Both absences affect England's defensive options.
How did DR Congo qualify for the Round of 32?
DR Congo advanced from the group stage by defeating Uzbekistan, drawing with Portugal, and losing narrowly 1-0 to Colombia. Their performance against Portugal in particular marked them as one of the tournament's surprise packages.
What is DR Congo's FIFA World Cup history?
Competing as Zaire in 1974, DR Congo became the first Sub-Saharan African nation to play at a FIFA World Cup. That campaign ended in three defeats, including a 9-0 loss to Yugoslavia. The current squad is widely considered significantly stronger than that pioneering side.
