World Cup

England

01 Jul 2026 17:00

Congo DR

Prediction:

England to win 1.28

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EnglandDraw Congo DR

England vs Congo DR Predictions, Picks & Odds – 01/07/2026

World Cup · Round of 32

Our prediction

1: England to win

1.28 on Dafabet · Confidence High

Odds recorded on 30 Jun 2026 at 09:45 · Odds are subject to change

England vs Congo DR Preview

England head into this Round of 32 clash in superb form, having won four of their last five matches and finishing top of their group. Thomas Tuchel's side scored six goals while conceding just two during the group stage, demonstrating quality at both ends. However, a mounting injury crisis at right-back, with Reece James ruled out and Jarrell Quansah doubtful, forces tactical adjustments. England also struggled against deep-sitting defences from Ghana and Panama.

DR Congo make history with their first-ever World Cup knockout appearance, ending a 52-year absence from the global stage. Sébastien Desabre's side showed resilience in qualifying from their group, winning two and drawing two of their last five outings. Their disciplined defensive organisation and dangerous counter-attacking ability troubled even Portugal. Ranked 46 places below England, the Leopards will relish the underdog tag in this maiden competitive meeting between the two nations.

England's dominant group stage campaign provides the foundation for backing a home win at 1.28. The Three Lions scored six goals while conceding just two, demonstrating quality at both ends of the pitch. DR Congo, by contrast, managed four goals and shipped three, and their form has been inconsistent with two draws and a defeat in their last five outings.

Thomas Tuchel's side did struggle against deep defensive blocks in the group phase, which is precisely the approach DR Congo will adopt. Sébastien Desabre's men are disciplined, athletic, and dangerous on the counter, as they showed against Portugal. That tactical setup could keep the scoreline tight, making under 2.5 goals at 1.86 a sensible supplementary pick.

The gap in quality remains significant. England sit fourth in the world rankings while Congo DR occupy 46th, and the knockout stage experience favours the Three Lions heavily. Congo's historic first appearance in a World Cup knockout round is a wonderful story, but sentiment rarely translates into results against sides of this calibre. A 1-0 or 2-0 England victory looks the likeliest outcome, with 1.45 offering additional value.

Trends to Know about England vs Congo DR

• England scored six goals in group stage
• Congo DR conceded three in three matches
• England's defence allowed just two goals

England's speculated 4-3-3 carries a confidence caveat, with the right-back position still unsettled ahead of kick-off, whereas Congo DR's 5-3-2 is the more reliably sourced of the two. Jude Bellingham sits at the heart of England's midfield structure, expected to drive forward into the spaces that Congo's compact back five will look to deny.

Congo DR's wing-backs will be central to their defensive shape, but Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu offer genuine counter-attacking threat on the break. The tactical contest between England's wide press and Congo's disciplined low block promises to define the tempo of this last-32 tie.

How to Watch England vs Congo DR Match?

What time is England vs Congo DR?

England vs Congo DR kicks off at 17:00 local time on 1 July 2026 at Atlanta Stadium.

Where is England vs Congo DR being played?

This Round of 32 fixture will be played at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

How Can I Watch England vs Congo DR on TV and Live Stream?

This match will be broadcast on major networks; check your local listings for live coverage details.