England v DR Congo Tips, Prediction & Bet Builder – World Cup 2026

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Tyler Smith

An enthusiastic sports writer with a passion for Football, American Sports and Formula 1, bringing sharp insight and informed betting analysis to every weekend.

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Match Overview

Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 32

Date: Wednesday 1 July 2026

Kickoff Time (UK): 5:00pm BST

Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

UK TV/Streaming: BBC One, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport App

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England v DR Congo - Intro

England vs DR Congo sees the Three Lions begin their knockout-stage campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup against one of the tournament’s surprise packages. Thomas Tuchel’s side progressed as Group L winners after an unbeaten group stage, while DR Congo reached the Round of 32 for the first time in their history as one of the best third-placed teams. This article delivers our best betting tips, bet builder selections, key stats, team news and expert analysis ahead of a fascinating knockout clash in Atlanta.

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England v DR Congo - Match Preview

England arrive in the Round of 32 having quietly built momentum during the group stage. Thomas Tuchel’s side topped Group L with seven points, following victories over Croatia and Panama before being held to a goalless draw by Ghana. While England have not always been at their free-flowing best, they have looked organised defensively and have grown into the tournament with each performance. Jude Bellingham once again proved decisive against Panama, scoring the opening goal before setting up Harry Kane to seal a 2-0 victory that confirmed top spot in the group.

DR Congo have been one of the stories of the tournament. Making their first World Cup appearance since 1974, Sébastien Desabre’s side recovered from defeat to Colombia and a draw with Portugal before producing a superb 3-1 comeback victory over Uzbekistan to secure a historic place in the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams. The achievement is the reward for several years of steady progress under Desabre, who has transformed the Leopards into one of Africa’s most competitive international sides.

England will start as favourites, but this is unlikely to be straightforward. DR Congo have conceded very few clear chances throughout the tournament and possess genuine attacking quality through Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka has added valuable experience to the back line. England’s biggest concern comes at right-back, where injuries have left Tuchel short of options heading into the knockout rounds. Nevertheless, with Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice all expected to start, the Three Lions possess the quality to control possession and eventually break down a stubborn Congolese defence. England know victory would send them into the Round of 16 with confidence, but they will be wary of underestimating one of the tournament’s biggest surprise packages.

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England v DR Congo Bet Builder
3.67/1

1 Jul 17:00 - England vs Congo DR - WC 2026
1 Jul 17:00
England vs Congo DR - WC 2026

England (-1)

Match Result with Handicap -1
47/50

Reason for Tip

England enter this Round of 32 tie as one of the strongest-performing teams in the tournament. After topping Group L with seven points from three matches, Thomas Tuchel’s side finished unbeaten, conceding just once while demonstrating impressive control in and out of possession. Their group campaign included victories over Ghana and Panama before securing first place with a disciplined performance in their final fixture. England have created a high volume of chances throughout the tournament, with Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka all playing influential roles in attack.

DR Congo deserve enormous credit for reaching the knockout stages after navigating a competitive Group K, but they now face a significant step up in quality. While the Leopards have shown organisation and resilience, England possess greater depth across every area of the pitch and should be able to wear their opponents down over 90 minutes.

1 Jul 17:00 - England vs Congo DR - WC 2026
1 Jul 17:00
England vs Congo DR - WC 2026

Over 7.5 Corners

Over 7.5 Corners
4/11

Reason for Tip

England’s style under Tuchel naturally lends itself to generating corners. The Three Lions build attacks through wide areas using overlapping full-backs and dynamic wingers, regularly forcing defensive blocks and clearances. During the group stage, England consistently dominated territory and possession, spending long periods camped in opposition halves.

DR Congo are also unlikely to sit completely passive. Their pace on the counter means they’ll attack when opportunities arise, particularly if they fall behind. Knockout football often produces increased corner numbers as trailing teams commit bodies forward late in games.

1 Jul 17:00 - England vs Congo DR - WC 2026
1 Jul 17:00
England vs Congo DR - WC 2026

Harry Kane to Score or Assist

Player To Score Or Assist
4/7

Reason for Tip

Harry Kane continues to be England’s focal point and remains one of the tournament favourites for the Golden Boot. Beyond his goalscoring threat, Kane’s ability to drop into midfield and create chances has been a defining feature of England’s attacking play under Tuchel. His link-up with Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden has consistently produced high-quality opportunities throughout the group stage.

Kane has registered multiple goal contributions during England’s World Cup campaign and will once again be central to everything England create. Whether finishing chances himself or providing the final pass, he is involved in a significant proportion of England’s attacking output.

1 Jul 17:00 - England vs Congo DR - WC 2026
1 Jul 17:00
England vs Congo DR - WC 2026

Jude Bellingham 1+ Shots on Target

Player 1+ Shots On Target
3/5

Reason for Tip

Jude Bellingham has continued to demonstrate why he is one of the world’s elite midfielders. His ability to arrive late in the penalty area, shoot from distance and break beyond the striker gives him numerous opportunities to test the goalkeeper each game.

Throughout the group stage, Bellingham consistently occupied advanced positions alongside Kane and was heavily involved in England’s chance creation. Against a DR Congo side expected to defend in numbers, his willingness to shoot from the edge of the area becomes particularly valuable.

England v DR Congo - Key Stats

England vs DR Congo — England -1 Handicap

  • Landed in 2/3 England group games
  • England expected to dominate possession
  • 1st goal crucial

England vs DR Congo — Over 7.5 Corners

  • Landed in all 3 England group stage games
  • Landed in 2/3 DC Congo Games

Harry Kane — To Score or Assist

  • Already has 3 goals this tournament
  • On penalties
  • Constant threat and one of worlds best

Jude Bellingham — 1+ Shot on Target

  • Landed in 2/3 games so far
  • 2 goals scored in 3 games
  • Good value for a single shot
Team news & Predicted Line-Ups

England

  • England finished top of Group L with seven points and remain unbeaten heading into the knockout stages.
  • Thomas Tuchel has been dealt a defensive headache after injuries to Reece James and Jarell Quansah, leaving Djed Spence in line to start at right-back.
  • Declan Rice is expected to return to the starting XI after being managed during the latter stages of the group phase.
  • Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane both head into the Round of 32 in excellent form after combining for England’s decisive win over Panama.
  • No fresh suspension concerns have been reported for the Three Lions ahead of the Atlanta clash.

Predicted Line-up (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford

Defenders: Djed Spence, Esri Konsa, Marc Guéhi, Nico O’Reilly

Midfielders: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson

Attacking Midfielders: Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford

Forward: Harry Kane

DR Congo

  • DR Congo reached the World Cup knockout stages for the first time after defeating Uzbekistan 3-1 in their final Group K fixture.
  • Yoane Wissa scored twice in that victory and is expected to spearhead the attack once again.
  • Sébastien Desabre is likely to keep faith with the side that secured qualification after an impressive second-half display.
  • Chancel Mbemba continues to marshal the defence, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been a consistent performer at right-back.
  • The Leopards have reported no major injury concerns ahead of their historic meeting with England.

Predicted Line-up (4-4-2)

Goalkeeper: Lionel Mpasi

Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku

Midfielders: Samuel Moutoussamy, Noah Sadiki,  Nathanaël Mbuku, Brian Cipenga,

Forward: Cédric Bakambu, Yoane Wissa

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Conclusion

England have steadily improved throughout the tournament and head into the knockout rounds looking increasingly balanced under Thomas Tuchel. DR Congo deserve enormous credit for reaching the Round of 32 and have already exceeded expectations, but they possess enough organisation and attacking threat to ensure England cannot afford any complacency. The Three Lions should dominate possession and create the better opportunities, although patience may be required against a disciplined Congolese defence. Our headline call is an England victory, with Harry Kane expected to make the difference in front of goal. For more World Cup betting tips, accas and exclusive member selections throughout the tournament, check out our Premium content.

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