England face DR Congo on Wednesday 1 July 2026 at Atlanta Stadium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32. Read our England vs DR Congo prediction, team news, likely lineups, betting tips and score prediction.
Date published: June 30, 2026
Wednesday 1st July 17:00
England face DR Congo on Wednesday 1 July 2026 at Atlanta Stadium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32. Read our England vs DR Congo prediction, team news, likely lineups, betting tips and score prediction.
| Bookie | Selection | Best Odds | Market | Bet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
England to Win | 27/100 | England vs DR Congo | Place Bet |
|
England 2-0 DR Congo | 9/2 | England vs DR Congo | Place Bet |
|
Under 2.5 Goals | 10/11 | England vs DR Congo | Place Bet |
|
England to win, Under 3.5 Goals, and Harry Kane to Score Anytime | 13/5 | England vs DR Congo | Place Bet |
Date of Tips: 30/06/2026
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (11:58 30/06/2026) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
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England face DR Congo on Wednesday 1 July 2026 in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup, with kick-off at 5pm BST at Atlanta Stadium.
England vs DR Congo prediction is a fascinating one because this is where the tournament really comes to life. England have been here plenty of times before, lifting the World Cup back in 1966 and becoming regular visitors to the knockout rounds over the last decade. DR Congo’s journey has been very different. Playing in the knockout stages for the first time since appearing as Zaire in 1974, they have already made history simply by getting this far. England topped Group L after beating Croatia and Panama either side of a draw with Ghana, while DR Congo battled through a difficult group to earn one of the best third-placed spots. Now it’s simple. Win and you’re into the last 16. Lose and you’re on the plane home.
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 32
Date: Wednesday 1 July 2026
Kick-off Time: 5pm BST
Venue: Atlanta Stadium
England Manager: Thomas Tuchel
DR Congo Manager: Sebastien Desabre
England
4-2 win vs Croatia
0-0 draw vs Ghana
2-0 win vs Panama
Finished first in Group L with seven points
DR Congo
1-1 draw vs Portugal
1-0 defeat to Colombia
3-1 win vs Uzbekistan
Qualified as one of the best third-placed teams
England arrive in Atlanta after doing exactly what they needed to do in the group stage. A thrilling win over Croatia got the tournament off to the perfect start before Ghana frustrated them in a goalless draw. They finished the job with a controlled 2-0 victory over Panama to secure top spot in Group L.
Thomas Tuchel is expected to welcome Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice back into the starting eleven after he was rested against Panama following a knock. Rice brings balance to England’s midfield alongside Elliot Anderson and allows Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid to play further forward, where he can influence games most.
Harry Kane, now leading the line for Bayern Munich, remains England’s biggest attacking threat after scoring twice against Croatia. Bukayo Saka of Arsenal could also return to the starting side after being carefully managed through the group stage, while Marcus Rashford has looked sharp whenever called upon.
There are still concerns over Reece James after his hamstring problem, meaning Djed Spence could continue at right back if the Chelsea defender is not ready. Harry Kane remains England’s penalty taker.
DR Congo have been one of the surprise packages of the tournament. They opened with an impressive 1-1 draw against Portugal before narrowly losing to Colombia. A confident 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan secured a place in the knockout rounds and continued the remarkable progress made under Sebastien Desabre.
Captain Chancel Mbemba continues to marshal the defence, while left back Arthur Masuaku provides experience on the flank. Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa has been DR Congo’s standout attacker, scoring three goals in the group stage, while veteran striker Cedric Bakambu continues to lead the line with intelligence and experience.
The midfield has been given fresh energy by Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki, whose driving runs have added another dimension to DR Congo’s play. They are unlikely to abandon their disciplined approach against England and will look to frustrate before breaking quickly through Wissa and Bakambu.
England probable XI (4-2-3-1)
GK: Jordan Pickford
DF: Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Nico O’Reilly
MF: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson
AM: Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford
FW: Harry Kane
England have quality throughout the squad, with Morgan Rogers, Noni Madueke, Anthony Gordon, Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney all capable of making an impact from the bench.
DR Congo probable XI (4-4-2)
GK: Lionel Mpasi
DF: Gedeon Kalulu, Chancel Mbemba, Rocky Bushiri, Arthur Masuaku
MF: Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Meschack Elia
FW: Yoane Wissa, Cedric Bakambu
Desabre has shown he is prepared to adjust his system depending on the opponent, but a compact shape built around quick transitions is expected once again.
Knockout football has a completely different feel to the group stage. One mistake can end your tournament, while one special moment can create history.
England know all about the pressure that comes with these occasions. They have reached at least the semi-finals in three of the last four major tournaments and continue to build under Thomas Tuchel. While the performances have not always been spectacular, seven points from three group games represents a solid platform.
DR Congo arrive with nothing to lose. This is already the nation’s best World Cup performance, and they have earned it through organisation, patience and defensive discipline. They have conceded just three goals in the tournament despite facing Portugal and Colombia, showing they are capable of frustrating top opposition.
England will expect to dominate possession, but Ghana demonstrated how difficult it can be to break down a well-drilled defensive block. That lesson should help Tuchel’s side approach this match with a little more patience.
If you’re looking at other knockout ties as well, it’s worth checking our latest BTTS tips before making your selections.
England have looked strongest when controlling games through midfield, with Rice, Anderson and Bellingham providing plenty of balance.
Harry Kane remains England’s main goal threat and has already shown his quality in front of goal during this tournament.
DR Congo have built their success on staying organised and making the most of counter attacks. They are unlikely to open the game up unless they have to.
Everything points towards another tight knockout contest rather than a wide open game.
England have steadily grown into this World Cup. The opening win over Croatia showed what they can do going forward, while the draws and tighter games that followed have highlighted the importance of staying patient.
DR Congo deserve enormous credit for reaching the knockout rounds. Drawing with Portugal and beating Uzbekistan showed exactly why they cannot be underestimated.
Still, England possess more quality throughout the squad. Kane, Bellingham and Rice have all delivered on the biggest stages before, and that experience could prove decisive once again.
Match Prediction: England to win. Bet with bet365.
A few scorelines stand out for this Round of 32 clash.
2-0 England
2-1 England
1-0 England
England should create enough chances to progress, but DR Congo’s defensive organisation means they are unlikely to make life easy.
Correct Score Prediction: England 2-0 DR Congo. Bet with bet365.
England have kept two clean sheets in their three group matches, while DR Congo have conceded only three goals despite facing strong opposition.
Under 2.5 goals looks a sensible option.
Over 1.5 goals also appeals if England eventually find a way through.
Over/Under Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
If you’re building a selection for this Round of 32 tie, consider:
It reflects England’s greater attacking quality while respecting how difficult DR Congo have been to break down throughout the tournament.
Bet Builder Tip: England to win, Under 3.5 Goals, and Harry Kane to Score Anytime. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
England finished top of Group L with seven points.
England beat Croatia 4-2, drew 0-0 with Ghana and defeated Panama 2-0.
DR Congo reached the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.
DR Congo drew with Portugal, lost narrowly to Colombia and beat Uzbekistan 3-1.
Yoane Wissa scored three goals during the group stage for DR Congo.
England have reached at least the semi-finals in three of the last four major tournaments.
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England go into the Round of 32 as favourites after winning Group L, although DR Congo have already shown they are capable of causing problems for strong opponents.
England topped Group L after beating Croatia and Panama and drawing with Ghana to finish on seven points.
DR Congo qualified as one of the best third-placed teams after drawing with Portugal, losing narrowly to Colombia and beating Uzbekistan 3-1.
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England face DR Congo on Wednesday 1 July 2026 at Atlanta Stadium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32. Read our England vs DR Congo prediction, team news, likely lineups, betting tips and score prediction.
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