England vs DR Congo prediction 01.07.2026 | FIFA World Cup 2026
England
Kick off:
Date:
Congo DR
1
1.29
X
5.85
2
14.00
Contents
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Round of 32
- Date: 1st July, 2026
- Kickoff: 17:00 UK / 18:00 CEST
- Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
England begin their knockout campaign on Wednesday when they face tournament surprise package DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32. Thomas Tuchel's side progressed as Group L winners after collecting seven points from their three matches, while DR Congo secured one of the best third-place spots following an impressive group-stage campaign in which they made history by reaching the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time.
England team overview
England have quietly built momentum throughout the tournament, finishing unbeaten with two victories and one draw. They opened with a win over Croatia, were held to a goalless draw by Ghana before defeating Panama 2-0 to secure top spot in Group L.
Captain Harry Kane once again leads the attack after becoming England's all-time World Cup leading scorer with his strike against Panama, while Jude Bellingham has arguably been England's standout performer, contributing both goals and creativity from midfield.
England have controlled possession in every group fixture but have occasionally been criticised for lacking attacking fluency against deep defensive blocks - a challenge they are likely to face again against DR Congo.
There is encouraging news regarding the squad's fitness. Declan Rice is expected to return after missing the Panama victory because of a calf issue, providing a significant boost in midfield. However, defensive concerns remain. Reece James is still doubtful, while Jarell Quansah also picked up an ankle injury during the final group match, leaving Tuchel with limited options on the right side of defence.
Last matches of England
-
Panama
0 : 2
England
World Cup
-
England
0 : 0
Ghana
World Cup
-
England
4 : 2
Croatia
World Cup
-
England
3 : 0
Costa Rica
Friendly International
-
England
1 : 0
New Zealand
Friendly International
England lineup
Goalkeeper
-
1
Jordan Pickford
Defenders
-
25
Djed Spence
-
2
Ezri Konsa
-
6
Marc Guéhi
-
3
Nico O'Reilly
Midfielders
-
8
Elliot Anderson
-
4
Declan Rice
-
10
Jude Bellingham
Forwards
-
11
Marcus Rashford
-
7
Bukayo Saka
-
9
Harry Kane
DR Congo team overview
DR Congo have become one of the tournament's biggest success stories. After earning a valuable 1-1 draw against Portugal, they suffered only a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia before producing an excellent second-half comeback to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 and qualify for the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
Yoane Wissa has emerged as the Leopards' biggest attacking threat, scoring three goals during the group stage, including a brace against Uzbekistan. Veteran striker Cédric Bakambu provides valuable experience alongside him, while captain Chancel Mbemba marshals a disciplined defence that has frustrated both Portugal and Colombia for long periods.
Under Desabre, DR Congo have become an exceptionally organised side, typically defending in a compact shape before looking to spring dangerous counter-attacks through Wissa, Meschack Elia and Bakambu.
Unlike England, DR Congo appear to have arrived at the knockout stage without any major fresh injury concerns, allowing Desabre to select from a near full-strength squad.
Last matches of Congo DR
-
Colombia
1 : 0
Congo DR
World Cup
-
Portugal
1 : 1
Congo DR
World Cup
-
Congo DR
0 : 0
Denmark
Friendly International
-
Congo DR
1 : 0
Jamaica
WC Qualification Intercontinental Playoffs
-
Bermuda
0 : 2
Congo DR
Friendly International
Congo DR lineup
Goalkeeper
-
1
Lionel Mpasi Nzau
Defenders
-
2
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
-
4
Axel Tuanzebe
-
22
Chancel Mbemba
-
3
Steve Kapuadi
-
26
Arthur Masuaku
Midfielders
-
8
Samuel Moutoussamy
-
14
Noah Sadiki
-
7
Nathanaël Mbuku
Forwards
-
20
Yoane Wissa
-
17
Cédric Bakambu
Prediction
The longer the match remains scoreless, the more dangerous the underdogs (DR Congo) could become. Nevertheless, England's superior attacking presence should eventually prove decisive. Expect DR Congo to compete admirably, but England's class ought to shine through over 90 minutes, although few goals are to be expected in this match.
Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals.
Three reasons we expect Under 2.5 Goals
- England failed to break down Ghana's low defensive block in their second group-stage match, which ended in a goalless draw (0-0).
- Thomas Tuchel's men also struggled to breach Panama's defence for over an hour before Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane finally broke the deadlock in a 2-0 victory, which still produced under 2.5 goals.
- DR Congo adopted a pragmatic, defence-first approach against both Portugal and Colombia, with each of those fixtures also finishing under 2.5 goals.
Main prediction England - Congo DR
Under 2.5 goals
Best Odds:
1xBet
1.92
