Bitter rivals Wissa & Sadiki line up to beat England

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa and Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki are set to face England in the World Cup, playing key roles for the Democratic Republic of Congo despite their club rivalry. Their performances could be pivotal as DR Congo aims to upset the favored Three Lions, with Wissa seeking to boost his standing ahead of Newcastle’s summer rebuild and Sadiki tasked with disrupting England’s midfield dominance.

Two key players from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa and Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki, are preparing to face England in an upcoming World Cup match in Atlanta. Despite their rivalry at club level, both are expected to play crucial roles if DR Congo hopes to upset the favored Three Lions.

Wissa, who joined Newcastle in a £55 million transfer from Brentford last August, has faced a challenging debut season in the Premier League, scoring only three goals. However, he has matched that tally during the World Cup, including a decisive brace against Uzbekistan that secured DR Congo’s progression to the knockout stage. Speaking after the match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the 29-year-old expressed pride in his performance and confidence that his best moments are still ahead. Notably, Wissa previously scored against England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in a February 2025 Premier League encounter between Brentford and Everton, an achievement he may look to replicate on the international stage.

Wissa’s performance against England could also serve as a reminder to Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe of his abilities, particularly as the club plans a significant squad rebuild during the summer. With teammate Nick Woltemade recently missing a penalty for Germany in their surprising loss to Paraguay, Wissa is expected to embrace the opportunity to lead DR Congo’s frontline responsibility.

Alongside Wissa, Sadiki will be tasked with stifling England’s midfield. The youngest player to start a World Cup match for DR Congo, Sadiki is known for his tireless work rate and defensive discipline. His role will be critical in disrupting the flow of England’s midfield trio—Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, and Elliot Anderson—who are anticipated to control possession under England manager Thomas Tuchel.

The upcoming clash represents a compelling showdown not only between nations but also between two players who compete fiercely at the club level yet now must combine efforts to challenge a top-tier opponent on football’s biggest stage.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.