England
World CupWhy this tip?
England’s quality in possession and superior attacking options should give them the edge. Expect DR Congo to compete strongly, but England to break them down late on and secure a controlled victory. I am backing the Three Lions to come away with a 2-0 victory.
Match Preview
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
Matchday: Round of 32
Date: 01 July 2026
Kick-off time: 19:00 (SA Time)
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Match Details
England face DR Congo in an intriguing Round of 32 clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the clash taking place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The Three Lions head into the knockout encounter unbeaten after topping their group and will be aiming to maintain their impressive form against a DR Congo side that has shocked many by progressing to the knockouts. This is the first ever meeting between the sides, England will look to make their quality count, but the Leopards possess the pace and physicality to trouble any opponent if given space. South African viewers can catch the action from 19:00 (SA time) on Wednesday, 1 July.
Why This Match Matters
England will be hungrier than ever when they take on DR Congo, desperate to end their 60 year wait for a second World Cup title. This current crop of players are some of the best seen in many decades and represents arguably their best ever chance of ending their drought. They must however be aware of the Leopards who showed against Portugal that their defensive tactics can be world class as they kept the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes at bay for 90 minutes. DR Congo are playing their first ever knockout match at the World Cup and will be no pushovers as they have not lost a match by more than a single goal margin in four years.
England v DR Congo Head-to-Head Stats
Previous Meetings
This is the first ever meeting between the sides in international football. England have however faced African opposition twice before in the World Cup and won both encounters.
England’s Recent Form
England’s last five matches: WWWDW
Recent results include:
27/06/2026 (World Cup): Panama 0-2 England
23/06/2026 (World Cup): England 0-0 Ghana
17/06/2026 (World Cup): England 4-2 Croatia
10/06/2026 (Friendly): England 3-0 Costa Rica
06/06/2026 (Friendly): England 1-0 New Zealand
Recent form: England came into the World Cup full of confidence and remained unbeaten after topping the group stage. The Three Lions finished top of their group after convincing victories over Croatia (4-2) and Panama (2-0), with a goalless draw against Ghana being their only hiccup. Before the tournament, England also recorded back-to-back friendly wins over Costa Rica (3-0) and New Zealand (1-0). Thomas Tuchel’s side have scored 10 goals while conceding just two during this five-match run which shows their attacking and defensive quality.
DR Congo’s Recent Form
DR Congo’s last five matches: DLDLW
Recent results include:
28/06/2026 (World Cup): D.R. Congo 3-1 Uzbekistan
24/06/2026 (World Cup): Colombia 1-0 D.R. Congo
17/06/2026 (World Cup): Portugal 1-1 D.R. Congo
09/06/2026 (Friendly): D.R. Congo 1-2 Chile
03/06/2026 (Friendly): D.R. Congo 0-0 Denmark
Recent form: DR Congo looked to be heading home after they drew and lost their opening two games but bounced back in their final group game with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan. Despite inconsistency, they have remained competitive, scoring five goals and conceding five across this run in their last five matches. The win over Uzbekistan will give them the confidence against England.
Team News
England Team News
England will be without Reece James after the defender suffered a hamstring injury in the win over Ghana. Jarell Quansah, who replaced him at right-back against Panama, is also an injury concern after being forced off, leaving Djed Spence in line to start. In midfield, Declan Rice is expected to return after being rested as a precaution for a calf issue, joining Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham.
Injuries: Jarell Quansah is a doubt while Reece James is definitely out.
Suspensions: No suspensions.
Key players to watch: England will once again look to captain Harry Kane to lead the line with his proven goal scoring record. Bukayo Saka will provide pace and creativity from the right flank, constantly testing defenders with his direct dribbling and end product, while Marcus Rashford offers a similar threat on the left with his speed. In midfield, Declan Rice will be key in anchoring the side, breaking up opposition attacks and providing stability, while Jude Bellingham will drive England forward with his energy, ball-carrying and ability to arrive in dangerous areas. The England defence of Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi will need to be alert to the danger posed by Yoane Wissa.
DR Team News
With no injury concerns reported by Sebastien Desabre, DR Congo will likely continue with their two-man strike force of Yoane Wissa and Cedric Bakambu leading the line.
Injuries: There are no injury concerns ahead of this match.
Suspensions: No suspensions
Key players to watch: DR Congo will look to their experienced forward line to provide the cutting edge, Yoane Wissa is in excellent form, scoring three goals in his last two matches. Cédric Bakambu is expected to join him and lead the attack through his movement and finishing. Their best chances are likely to come from counter attacks as England will dominate possession. In midfield, Samuel Moutoussamy will be important in maintaining balance, supporting both defence and attack. Noah Sadiki will also be key in breaking up England’s attack play and providing composure in midfield battles. Chancel Mbemba will need to show the same defensive leadership that helped his side shut out Portugal in the opening match.
Predicted Lineups
England Predicted XI
Jordan Pickford; Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Liam O’Reilly; Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham; Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford.
DR Congo Predicted XI
Dimitry Bertaud Nzau; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Steve Kapuadi, Arthur Masuaku; Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe; Yoane Wissa, Cédric Bakambu.
Best Betting Markets for England v DR Congo
Match Winner
Prediction: England to win @ (1.29) at Hollywoodbets
Over/Under Goals
Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals @(1.91) at WSB
Both Teams to Score
Prediction: Both Teams to Score- No @ (1.47) at Betway
Anytime Goalscorer
Prediction: Harry Kane to score anytime @ (1.69) at Easybet
England v DR Congo Prediction
Best Bet
Prediction: England to win and under 2.5 goals @(2.80) at Hollywoodbets
Correct Score Prediction
Prediction: England 2-0 DR Congo @ (5.75) at Easybet
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Match analysis and verdict
England come into this clash with a strong balance of attacking quality and midfield control, built around the leadership of Harry Kane and the creativity of Jude Bellingham. They will look to dominate possession through Declan Rice, who provides stability and structure, while Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford stretch the pitch with pace and direct running. England’s main threat will come from their ability to move the ball quickly between the lines and isolate DR Congo’s full-backs in wide areas.
DR Congo, however, will be dangerous on the counter. Cédric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa provide pace and movement in transition, while midfielders like Edo Kayembe and Samuel Moutoussamy will look to break up England’s rhythm and spring quick attacks. At the back, Chancel Mbemba will need to marshal the defence and deal with the constant pressure from England’s forward line.
England’s quality in possession and superior attacking options should give them the edge. Expect DR Congo to compete strongly, but England to break them down late on and secure a controlled victory. I am backing the Three Lions to come away with a 2-0 victory.
Prediction: England 2-0 DR Congo
Writer / Betting tipster
I am what you call a sporting all-rounder with my favourite sports being rugby, football and cricket. I have been actively writing rugby and football articles for the last decade. These include previews, reviews and interesting topical pieces. I am a huge fan of Liverpool and a passionate supporter of the Springboks. My interests in recent years have also included iGaming as this is one of the fastest growing betting markets. Follow me for the best rugby odds in South Africa as I continue to find you the best bookie to place your bets.
