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Who are DR Congo? Everything you need to know about England's next World Cup opponent
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Africa's DR Congo made history at the World Cup by qualifying for the knockout stages for the first time.
In a group which contained Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, DR Congo were a stern test and secured a spot in the Round of 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
However, it does not get any easier for the African side, who must now get past England in Atlanta to reach the Round of 16 and continue their fairytale journey at football's biggest tournament.
Ahead of England's first knockout game of this year's World Cup, here is everything you need to know about DR Congo.
Where is DR Congo?
The Democratic Republic of Congo, also known as DR Congo, is a country in Central Africa.
Some may have known it as Zaire before a rebellion in May 1997 saw the country's name revert back to DR Congo.
It's the second largest country in Africa and has a population of approximately 116.4 million.
What is DR Congo's World Cup record?
Before this year's World Cup, DR Congo had only appeared at one previous tournament, and that was 52 years ago as Zaire.
The nation produced a dismal showing at the 1974 World Cup in West Germany, losing all three of their group matches and conceding 14 goals.
World Cup 2022 best goals
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How did DR Congo qualify for 2026 World Cup?
DR Congo reached the World Cup via an inter-confederation playoff after finishing behind Senegal in CAF qualifying.
In order to be CAF's sole representative at the inter-confederation playoffs, DR Congo beat Cameroon and then Nigeria on penalties.
DR Congo would face Jamaica in Mexico in this crucial match and won 1-0 in extra time courtesy of a 100th-minute goal from Axel Tuanzabe.
Who is the DR Congo manager?
France's Sebastien Desabre is manager of DR Congo, and first took charge of the team in 2022 after they failed to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar.
His goal was to make sure the African nation qualified for this year's World Cup, so he already has one box ticked.
Getting into the knockout stages will be another monumental achievement, but beating a footballing powerhouse in England would be stratospheric.
Who are the key players for DR Congo?
There will be some names familiar to football fans in England.
In midfield, there is Sunderland's Noah Sadiki. He did not play in his country's first two World Cup matches, but made an impact in the 3-1 win over Uzbekistan. His ball-carrying ability and atheleticism make him a serious threat.
There is also Newcastle United striker Yoanne Wissa, who may not have lit up the club season, but he has made his presence felt at the World Cup.
He has scored three goals so far for DR Congo, making him the joint-top African scorer during the group stage, and Wissa will be hoping to continue this form against the Three Lions.
DAZN/FIFAWhat are DR Congo's strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths
DR Congo do not have a distinct style of play, but it's the fundamentals where they excel.
They have managed to keep 29 clean sheets in 57 matches during Desabre's tenure, and quick counterattacks led by Wissa and strike partner Cedric Bakambu means they can punish opponents in a flash.
The squad are also mentally strong after a qualifying campaign which saw them have to successfully navigate a series of high-pressure playoff matches to reach this year's World Cup.
Weaknesses
Unfortunately for DR Congo, they have not had many chances to face some of international football's teams, and when they have, they lose.
There is also a concern over fitness with a lot of DR Congo regular starters struggling for time on the pitch with their respective clubs, and in a tournament which sees the games come thick and fast, England could easily overrun this African team in numerous areas.
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