Mbemba warns England that DR Congo will be ready for Atlanta World Cup showdown

DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba has issued a direct warning to England ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 meeting in Atlanta on Wednesday, insisting his side will be fully prepared despite being heavy underdogs.

England secured top spot in their group with a 2-0 win over Panama on Saturday, finishing ahead of Croatia and Ghana. Their reward is a last-32 tie against a Congo side that made history of their own, coming from behind to beat Uzbekistan in what was the central African nation’s first ever victory at a World Cup.

Mbemba, the Lille defender and Congo’s most-capped player with 112 international appearances, was measured but clear in his message to England. “We know full well that we will be up against a top team,” he said. “We know all about the qualities of the next opponent. We need to recover well, but we will keep working hard to be ready.”

Congo’s journey to this point has been far from straightforward. Manager Sebastian Desabre and his squad were forced to hold their pre-tournament training camp in Belgium after an Ebola outbreak at home, eventually travelling to North America via Paris. Despite the disruption, Desabre says the hardship has only strengthened his group’s resolve.

“It was all about sacrifice. And we continue to have belief in our ability,” the coach said. “To tell you the truth, I’m delighted for the lads. They’ve been working on this project for the last four years. So I’m incredibly proud of them.”

England, led by Harry Kane, will enter the tie as strong favourites, but Congo’s underdog status and the momentum of a historic first World Cup win could make them a dangerous opponent in Atlanta.