England
Congo DR
>England vs Congo DR Prediction & Betting Tips – 01/07/2026
England meet DR Congo in a World Cup Round of 32 clash at Atlanta Stadium on 1 July 2026, a fixture without any competitive precedent between the two nations. For the Three Lions, the knockout rounds represent another chapter in their pursuit of a first major international trophy since 1966. Congo DR, meanwhile, arrive at this stage for the first time in their history, having ended a 52-year World Cup absence in remarkable fashion. The stakes could hardly be higher: a place in the last sixteen awaits the victors.
Match Analysis
England enter this Round of 32 clash as commanding favorites at 1.29, backed by a 72% confidence rating. Finishing top of their group with 6 goals scored and only 2 conceded, Tuchel’s side possess clear quality advantages across every line.
- Ranked 4th globally, England hold a 42-place ranking advantage over Congo DR.
- Harry Kane cleared to play after a calf scare, bringing 3 World Cup goals into the knockout stage.
- 6 goals scored in the group stage, with Bellingham and Saka adding elite creative depth behind Kane.
- Only 2 goals conceded in the group stage, anchored by Konsa, Stones, Guéhi, and Pickford.
Congo DR arrive at their first knockout stage in 52 years as heavy outsiders at 13.00. Desabre’s disciplined 5-3-2 low-block system troubled Portugal and their counter-attacking threat, led by a fit Wissa with 3 World Cup goals, is very real.
- Reece James ruled out and Quansah doubtful, leaving Dan Burn exposed on the right flank.
- England struggled visibly against deep-sitting opponents Ghana and Panama in the group stage.
- Wissa’s brace last match confirms Congo DR’s counter-attack can punish high defensive lines.
Key point: With no over/under lines available, the double chance covering England and a draw offers security given Congo DR’s proven ability to frustrate elite opponents through disciplined defensive structure.
Form & Statistics: England vs Congo DR
England
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Congo DR
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Lineups: England vs Congo DR
England
Starters
- 1 Jordan Pickford
- 2 Ezri Konsa
- 3 John Stones
- 4 Marc Guéhi
- 5 Dan Burn
- 6 Declan Rice
- 7 Jude Bellingham
- 8 Kobbie Mainoo
- 9 Bukayo Saka
- 10 Harry Kane
- 11 Marcus Rashford
Bench
- Dean Henderson
- James Trafford
- Trevoh Chalobah
- Nico O'Reilly
- Djed Spence
- Elliot Anderson
- Jordan Henderson
- Morgan Rogers
- Eberechi Eze
- Anthony Gordon
- Ollie Watkins
- Ivan Toney
Absent
- Reece James (Hamstring injury, ruled out for at least two games including this Round of 32 match.)
- Tino Livramento (Withdrew from the squad before the tournament due to injury (calf injury), replaced by Trevoh Chalobah.)
Congo DR
Starters
- 1 Lionel Mpasi
- 2 Aaron Wan-Bissaka
- 3 Chancel Mbemba
- 4 Axel Tuanzebe
- 5 Dylan Batubinsika
- 6 Arthur Masuaku
- 7 Ngal'ayel Mukau
- 8 Samuel Moutoussamy
- 9 Edo Kayembe
- 10 Cédric Bakambu
- 11 Yoane Wissa
Bench
- Timothy Fayulu
- Mike Epolo
- Gédéon Kalulu
- Joris Kayembe
- Steve Kapuadi
- Theo Bongonda
- Nathanael Mbuku
- Noah Sadiki
- Aaron Tshibola
- Charles Pickel
- Brian Cipenga
- Gael Kakuta
- Meschack Elia
- Fiston Mayele
- Simon Banza
Absent
- Rocky Bushiri (Ruled out of the World Cup squad due to an Achilles injury sustained during club play, replaced by Aaron Tshibola.)
Low confidence
England’s probable shape is still speculative at this stage, drawn from recent training observations and manager comments rather than confirmed sources, so the 4-3-3 shown above carries a caveat. Congo DR’s 5-3-2, by contrast, is well-established, with Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu expected to lead the line against a makeshift English backline.
The tactical contrast is stark: England’s width through Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford will probe a deep Congolese defensive block, while Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo must control the midfield battle against a compact three. How England organise at the back, with defensive cover still unsettled, could prove the defining question of this last-32 tie.
Our Verdict
England’s dominant group-stage form, four wins from five matches and just two goals conceded, makes the home win at 1.29 the standout selection. Tuchel’s side scored six times across the group phase, and despite right-back concerns, their defensive solidity points towards a controlled performance. DR Congo’s disciplined low block could restrict early chances, making under 2.5 goals at 2.04 an appealing secondary pick. The Léopards showed resilience against Portugal using counter-attacking principles, but England’s quality should ultimately prevail in a tight, professional knockout victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bet for England vs Congo DR?
England to win is the standout selection here, backed at 1.29. England finished top of their group, have scored six goals to Congo DR’s four, and hold a commanding ranking advantage. Harry Kane, fit despite a minor calf complaint, anchors an attacking threat that should prove too considerable for a side built primarily to absorb pressure and counter.
What time does England vs Congo DR kick off?
England vs Congo DR kicks off at 16:00 UTC on 1st July 2026. In UK local time, that means a 17:00 BST start. The fixture takes place at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, United States, as part of the 2026 World Cup Round of 32.
Where can I watch England vs Congo DR on TV?
Broadcast arrangements for the 2026 World Cup in the United Kingdom are shared between ITV and BBC, who hold the free-to-air rights. It is advisable to check both broadcasters’ schedules and their respective streaming platforms, ITVX and BBC iPlayer, closer to kickoff for confirmed coverage details.
What is England’s recent record against Congo DR?
England and Congo DR have rarely crossed paths at senior international level, making this a genuinely novel fixture. There is no recent meaningful head-to-head record of note between the two sides. This World Cup Round of 32 encounter is, in many respects, uncharted territory, lending the occasion an added layer of intrigue.
