England's knockout phase begins against DR Congo – first-ever meeting between the two nations

Record against African teams

England faces another African opponent in this tournament. In the group stage, the team drew 0:0 against Ghana in Boston. The overall record against African nations is positive: after 23 matches, they have 15 wins, 7 draws, and only one defeat.

That sole defeat dates back to June 2025. In Nottingham, England lost a friendly match against Senegal 1:3. Senegal's defender Kalidou Koulibaly said after the match in his country at the time: „Wir haben Geschichte geschrieben".

Historically, the duels with African opponents have mostly gone in England's favor. Against Morocco, there is one win and one draw after two meetings; against Cameroon, three wins and one draw after four matches; against Senegal, one win and one defeat.

Historic duels

The only World Cup meeting against Senegal ended in the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup with a clear 3:0 win for England. Another legendary duel took place in 1990 in the quarterfinals in Naples, when England beat Cameroon 3:2 after extra time. Gary Lineker scored both penalties for England, while Roger Milla was the key figure for the Cameroonians at the time.

Since 1986, England has faced an African opponent at every World Cup – with the exception of the 2006 and 2014 tournaments as well as the failure to qualify in 1994. In the group stage of the 1986 World Cup, England drew 0:0 with Morocco, a result that repeated itself at this World Cup against Ghana.

For comparison with European opponents: England has played Switzerland 28 times in history, compared to 23 matches against African teams overall. England's World Cup record against African nations shows 6 wins and 3 draws with no defeat.

Outlook on the round of 16

England remains world champion with the title from 1966 and is thus the only team to have won the trophy on home soil. DR Congo could celebrate the greatest achievement in their federation's history by advancing to the quarterfinals.

Kickoff in Atlanta is on Wednesday evening German time. Should England progress to the next round, another strong opponent would likely await them in the quarterfinals. DR Congo is counting on disciplined defending and quick counterattacking moments.