England vs DR Congo predictions and betting tips – Three Lions must prepare for battle

England had a patchy group stage, but Thomas Tuchel’s team remains one of the leading contenders to win World Cup 2026. Next up for the Three Lions is a clash with DR Congo.

This has already been a historic summer for the Leopards, who are through to the knockout phase of the tournament for the first time. Will their journey come to an end this week?

• Draw England -2 handicap – 11/4 with Sky Bet
• Draw at half-time – 6/4 with Betfred
• Jude Bellingham to score or assist – 23/20 with SBK

England vs DR Congo head to head overview

• Date: Wednesday 1st July.
• Kick-off: 5pm.
• Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia.
• Where to watch: BBC One and BBC iPlayer. 
• Referee: TBC.
• VAR: Yes.
• Last meeting: Never played before.
• Favourite to win: England.

England vs DR Congo predicted lineups

• England expected lineup: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.
• DR Congo expected lineup: Mpasi-Nzau; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Kapuadi, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Kayembe; Wissa, Bakambu.

England vs DR Congo predictions

Is your glass half full or half empty? Your answer to that question will determine your view of England’s group stage at World Cup 2026.

For the optimists, England achieved their first objective for the summer by winning Group L. 

They played some excellent football in the second half of a 4-2 victory over Croatia, blowing their European opponents away and forcing Luka Modric to be taken off early.

Two clean sheets followed, as England neutralised Ghana’s counter-attack in a 0-0 draw, before beating Panama 2-0 to make it seven points from nine.

Only Mexico, France and Argentina won all three group games, so England were hardly alone in having a solitary slip-up. Brazil, Spain and Portugal all stumbled, and many people are still tipping those teams for the title.

The pessimists have a different view. England were sloppy against Croatia, conceding twice in the first half as their defence struggled to cope.

They were uninspiring in a goalless draw with Ghana, lacking the wit and invention to break down a well-organised but limited side. England looked similarly laboured for much of the meeting with Panama, only opening the scoring with more than an hour on the clock.

Whatever your view of what has happened up to now, there is one thing both the optimists and pessimists agree on: the success or otherwise of England’s World Cup will be determined by the knockout rounds.

If England go on to lift the trophy, no one will remember the group stage. But if Thomas Tuchel’s team were to fall to a shock defeat by DR Congo, their performances against Croatia, Ghana and Panama will be recast as a warning of what was to come.

The pressure in this last-32 tie is entirely on England, and we are about to find out how the players handle it.

England vs DR Congo betting tips

England and DR Congo will compete for a place in the round of 16 at World Cup 2026.

England strong favourites

DR Congo are through to the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time ever, in what is only their second appearance at the finals.

Sebastien Desabre’s team came from behind to draw 1-1 with Portugal on matchday one. A narrow 1-0 loss to Colombia followed, before DR Congo beat Uzbekistan 3-1 to finish as one of the eight best third-place finishers. 

DR Congo are well drilled defensively, so England will need to play with more guile than they did against Ghana.

Still, we predict a victory by a two-goal margin for England. DR Congo will have to take risks if they fall behind, giving the Three Lions the chance to move further ahead.

Back a draw with a -2 handicap for England with Sky Bet

Tied first half?

Against both Portugal and Colombia in Group K, DR Congo went in at half-time at level pegging.

It is worth noting, too, that there was parity after 45 minutes in all three of England’s matches in Group L.

We envisage another tight first half here. With their five-man defence, DR Congo will cover the gaps in and around the penalty area.

England struggled against a similar approach from Ghana, and while they should be better here, it could still take them until the second half to break the deadlock.

Tip a draw at 6/4 with Betfred

Bellingham to come up trumps

There is no doubt about who England’s best player has been so far at this World Cup.

Jude Bellingham scored England’s crucial third goal in the 4-2 victory over Croatia, before opening the scoring against Panama and then setting up Harry Kane’s header.

Bellingham is the man for the big occasion. He always stands up to be counted and does not hide when the pressure is on. 

Qualities like that are essential in knockout football. Bellingham will likely be involved in an England goal one way or another on Wednesday.

Go for Jude Bellingham to score or assist at 23/20 with SBK

England vs DR Congo latest odds

Find the latest England vs DR Congo betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.

More World Cup 2026 predictions

We have plenty more World Cup 2026 predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.

Important historical facts about England and DR Congo for betting

England have won 13 of their last 14 competitive matches. DR Congo’s victory over Uzbekistan was their first World Cup win in 52 years. England have kept a clean sheet in 10 of their last 13 games.

About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

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