Get our England vs DR Congo prediction, lineups, and betting tips for Wednesday's match. Find the best odds and bet builder picks for this huge clash.
England vs DR Congo Match Summary
Competition | FIFA World Cup 2026 |
|---|---|
Match Date | Wednesday 1 July 2026 |
Match Time | 17:00 UK time |
Venue (City, Stadium) | Atlanta Stadium |
Broadcast (TV / Streaming / Radio / Bookmaker Streaming) | BBC 1, RTE 2 |
England face DR Congo at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday 1 July 2026, the first-ever senior meeting between these two nations, with a place in the last 16 on the line.
England topped Group L on seven points, beating Croatia 4-2 and Panama 2-0 either side of a goalless draw with Ghana, arriving here as clear favourites with quality throughout the side.
DR Congo reached their first-ever World Cup knockout stage by finishing third in Group K on four points, drawing 1-1 with Portugal, losing 1-0 to Colombia and beating Uzbekistan 3-1.
The winner faces Mexico or Ecuador in the round of 16. England carry the form and the firepower, but DR Congo arrive on the back of a stirring comeback win over Uzbekistan.
England vs DR Congo Form
England have won nine of their last 10 fixtures, including that 4-2 victory over Croatia and a 2-0 defeat of Panama. Harry Kane has found the net in two of his last four World Cup outings, and under Thomas Tuchel they are unbeaten in 11 competitive matches. A side that has repeatedly improved after the break this tournament.
DR Congo are a far messier proposition, landing the win in five of their last 10. They beat Uzbekistan 3-1 and drew with Portugal, but also fell to Colombia. Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa is their main man, scoring three of their four Group K goals, including a brace against Uzbekistan.
England vs DR Congo Lineups & Team News
Injuries & Suspensions
England: Reece James (Injured/out), Jarell Quansah (Injured/doubtful)
DR Congo: No reported injuries or suspensions
England
Jarell Quansah is a doubt for England after picking up an injury against Panama last time out. Reece James is also likely to miss out after suffering another hamstring injury earlier in the tournament. Otherwise, Kane, Bellingham and Saka are all available and expected to start.
DR Congo
DR Congo head into this one with no injury concerns, giving their manager a free hand to name his strongest side, with Wissa and Cédric Bakambu leading the line.
England vs DR Congo Predicted Lineup
England
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Starting Lineup: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guéhi, O'Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane
DR Congo
Formation: 3-5-2
Predicted Starting Lineup: Mpasi; Kapuadi, Mbemba, Tuanzebe; Wan-Bissaka, Moutoussamy, Mukau, Sadiki, Masuaku; Bakambu, Wissa
England vs DR Congo Key Stats & Match Facts
England have had 17 or more shots in each of their last three World Cup matches.
Harry Kane has attempted three or more shots in each of his last three World Cup appearances.
England averaged 65.3% possession across their three Group L outings, third best in the tournament.
Yoane Wissa made history on 17 June 2026, scoring DR Congo's first-ever goal at a World Cup finals.
Jude Bellingham has found the net in two of his last three World Cup appearances.
England vs DR Congo Prediction & Best Bets
Our prediction: England have too much quality across the pitch and should ease through. We are calling this England 2-0 DR Congo, with the Three Lions dominating the ball and Kane on the scoresheet again.
Best Bets
England to win the match is the obvious starting point. The Three Lions have had the better of nine of their last 10 fixtures and are priced at 3/10 with AK Bets, with a 77% probability of the win attached to the home side.
For a longer price that still fits the narrative, Both Teams to Score: No is 1/2 with AK Bets. England have the firepower to keep DR Congo quiet, and with the Congolese averaging just 7.5 shots per game, a clean sheet is firmly on the cards.
England vs DR Congo Bet Builder
Our four-leg bet builder leans into England's firepower: Over 1.5 England goals, England to win, Harry Kane over 2.5 shots and Kane to score anytime.
Over 1.5 England goals is the foundation. England have had 17 or more shots in each of their last three World Cup matches and rattled in four against Croatia, so backing them to score at least twice is well supported.
England to win is the anchor. They have claimed victory in nine of their last 10 fixtures, and with Bellingham on the scoresheet in two of his last three World Cup appearances, the engine room is humming.
Harry Kane over 2.5 shots is a strong leg. The skipper has attempted three or more shots in each of his last three World Cup outings, so he should keep peppering the DR Congo goal.
Kane to score anytime rounds it off. He has scored in two of his last four World Cup appearances and remains the focal point of this England attack against a stubborn but beatable back line.
At the time of writing, this bet builder pays a best price of 29/20 and is as short as 23/20 elsewhere. That's a difference in potential winnings of £3 from best to worst price.
Make sure to get the best odds on your Bet Builder with Oddschecker's Exclusive Bet Builder Comparison Tool.
Bet builder odds correct at time of publishing.
England vs DR Congo Talking Points
Sébastien Desabre reckons his side's stack of English football experience, including Wan-Bissaka and Wissa, will help them deal with England. Thomas Tuchel, meanwhile, has played down the favourites tag, pointing out England lack the recent trophy pedigree of Argentina, France and Spain. England's habit of slow starts is the danger here. They have repeatedly come alive after the break this tournament, and if DR Congo can frustrate them early through Wissa and Bakambu, this could get nervy before England's class tells.
England vs DR Congo Predictions FAQs
When is the England vs DR Congo World Cup 2026 match?
The match is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 1 July 2026 at 17:00 UK time.
What is the prediction for England vs DR Congo?
England are the favourites to win this World Cup 2026 fixture against DR Congo, but both teams will be looking to secure a crucial result.
Where can I find betting tips for England vs DR Congo?
You can find the latest betting tips, predictions, and bet builder picks for England vs DR Congo in our comprehensive match preview.
What are the expected lineups for England vs DR Congo?
The official lineups for England vs DR Congo will be announced shortly before kick-off on Wednesday 1 July 2026.
Disclaimer
Please note: Some links within this England vs DR Congo preview may point to betting offers or promotions that were live at the time of writing. Those offers may since have changed, been withdrawn, or expired.
Oddschecker offers are selected from operators that our football experts work with regularly and have first-hand experience of. Should you register an account through one of these links, Oddschecker may earn commission. This helps support our coverage and allows us to continue producing expert analysis and football content across World Cup 2026.
Please gamble responsibly. 18+.
