Is DR Congo's England clash bigger than the Rumble in the Jungle?
DR Congo meet England in the World Cup 2026 last 32 at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday (17:00 BST)—their first-ever knockout match and a national moment some say rivals the 1974 Rumble in the Jungle. Even with steep world cup odds against the Leopards, Thomas Tuchel insists England must respect a compact, counterattacking side.
Journalist Justin Kabala Mwana, who covered Muhammad Ali's famous 1974 heavyweight bout in Kinshasa, told BBC Sport that Wednesday's tie is "almost" bigger than the Rumble in the Jungle. For a country scarred by decades of conflict and corruption, he sees football as a chance to "regain its unity and dignity."
Key Takeaways
- DR Congo reached the last 32 for the first time after beating Uzbekistan 3-1, with Yoane Wissa scoring twice.
- The Leopards' only previous World Cup, as Zaire in 1974, ended with three defeats, 14 goals conceded and none scored.
- World cup odds favour England heavily, but Tuchel faces right-back injuries to Reece James and Jarell Quansah.
- Tuchel expects a disciplined 5-3-2 low block; Noni Madueke says England must be more fluent breaking it down than against Ghana.
- Striker Wissa said the squad plays for supporters in war-hit eastern Congo, seeking "peace" through their run.
Why does DR Congo's 1974 past still haunt this World Cup?
When Zaire debuted in West Germany, they became the first sub-Saharan African side at a World Cup—and left without a point. They lost 2-0 to Scotland and 9-0 to Yugoslavia after a bonus dispute, then suffered another infamous moment against Brazil when defender Mwepu Ilunga sprinted from the wall to boot the ball away; he later told the BBC it was deliberate protest.
Months later, president Mobutu Sese Seko paid $5m each to Ali and George Foreman to stage the Rumble in the Jungle in Kinshasa. It took 52 years for DR Congo to return. This squad has already surpassed 1974: a first goal and point against Portugal, then a maiden finals win over Uzbekistan to seal a last-32 berth as one of the best third-place teams.
Can England break down DR Congo without their right-backs?
England manager Thomas Tuchel told Sky Sports he expects a "very compact, very physical" 5-3-2 that can switch between high press and low block. DR Congo held Portugal 1-1, lost 1-0 to Colombia and conceded few chances—"they have the capacity to make their life difficult for everyone," he said.
England's own problems sit at right-back. Reece James (hamstring) and Jarell Quansah (ankle) miss the tie, leaving Djed Spence or Ezri Konsa as options. Declan Rice returned to training and is expected back, but Tuchel's side must solve a familiar puzzle: breaking a deep block after drawing 0-0 with Ghana.
What must England do differently against the Leopards?
Noni Madueke warned England cannot take DR Congo lightly. Speaking to reporters, he told The Guardian every top nation struggles when "11 players" pack into "30 metres of space," but expects a more fluent attacking display than against Ghana.
The DRC squad includes Premier League faces such as Newcastle's Wissa and Sunderland's Noah Sidiki. Bukayo Saka is expected to keep the right-wing berth Madueke lost after starting the first two group games. For more offbeat global sport stories, see our Bizarre World section.
What would a Congolese upset mean beyond the pitch?
Yoane Wissa said after the Uzbekistan win: "There's a war in East Congo. Every day, every time we wear this shirt, we think about them. Because we want peace." Supporter Tanya Maria told BBC Sport Africa the World Cup has given outsiders "an investment into our country"—and that caring can fuel change.
Kabala believes the Leopards could "land a huge blow" to England's bid for a second World Cup title. Win or lose, DR Congo's first knockout night may echo 1974's boxing carnival—only this time, the spotlight is on football history still being written.