Preview: England vs DR Congo prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32

Can Harry Kane propel the Three Lions to win over resilient Congolese outfit in the knockout clash?

Atlanta Stadium (Mercedes-Benz Stadium) in Georgia, United States of America, gears up to host the Round of 32 fixtures of the FIFA World Cup 2026 where 1966 Champions England and African outfit DR Congo lock horns in what is set to be a thrilling contest.

The Three Lions topped Group L with seven points after winning two games and drawing one game. Thomas Tuchel’s side got the better of Croatia in the opening fixture, 4-2, and avenged their 2018 World Cup semi-final defeat against Zlatko Dalic’s side. They then had to settle for a goalless draw against Ghana.

In the last game, England got the better of Panama 2-0, the same team they thrashed 6-1 when these two sides last met in 2018. Overall, England have fared well.

Though they could not replicate the same intensity they exhibited against Croatia in the last two games, they can still hold their heads high ahead of the knockouts as they take on DR Congo.

DR Congo were on the verge of elimination from the FIFA World Cup after trailing 1-0 to Uzbekistan in their last game, with less than 30 minutes of stoppage time to spare. But Yoane Wissa’s brace and a crucial goal from Pyramids FC striker Mayele saw Congo winning it 3-1.

After the game, Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa rightfully said that the Leopards deserved to play England and despite war and tensions, the team made the country prouder.

The Central African side held a star-studded Portuguese side to a 1-1 draw and finished as the top-ranked third-placed team in the FIFA World Cup 2026 with four points.

The winner of this game will take on either Mexico or Ecuador in the Round of 16 fixtures, and if they advance past it, they will most likely face Brazil, Japan or Ivory Coast in the potential quarter-finals. England are ranked 42 spots higher, but Congo would be keen to cause an upset.

The Round of 32 brings a fierce, knockout intensity where reputations matter less than 90 minutes of pure desire. The tournament enters a phase where absolute underdogs can stun football giants. Fans can expect a thrilling, high-stakes battle where any result is possible and either side has everything it takes to win.

Kick-off:

• Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
• Stadium: Atlanta Stadium (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
• Date: Wednesday, July 1
• Kick-off time: 5 p.m. BST, 12 p.m. local EDT [Wednesday, July 1 at 9:30 p.m. IST]
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Form:

England (in all competitions): W-D-L-D-L

DR Congo (in all competitions): L-W-D-D-W

Players to Watch

Harry Kane (England)

After scoring that goal against Panama, Harry Kane has surpassed the legendary Gary Lineker to become England’s all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history with 11 goals. Arguably, one of the greatest strikers of all time, captain Kane eyes bringing the cup home after six decades.

The Bayern Munich striker is coming after a highly productive spell in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich. England captain Kane has scored three goals so far in three games including a brace against Croatia. Thomas Tuchel couldn’t have asked for someone better than Kane spearheading England’s attack.

Yoane Wissa (DR Congo)

Wissa is one of the major protagonists in Congo’s fairytale story in the FIFA World Cup 2026. From scoring his country’s first-ever World Cup goal against an elite Portugal side to scoring a brace against Uzbekistan, Wissa has stepped up for his nation when it mattered the most.

Wissa has a lot of experience playing in the English top flight with Brentford before making a high-profile move to Newcastle United FC. He has scored three goals so far and will be keen to unleash his beast against an English defence led by Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa, both of who has played with Wissa in the EPL.

Match Facts

• England and DR Congo will lock horns against each other for the first time ever.
• England are winless against African sides in their last two meetings
• DR Congo emerged as the best third-ranked team in FIFA World Cup 2026

England vs DR Congo: Betting Tips and Odds

• England to win the game – 27/100 with bet365
• Harry Kane to score – 8/11 with bet365
• England 2-0 DR Congo – 9/2 with bet365

Injury and Team News

Thomas Tuchel have a lot of reasons to worry in the right back position. Recce James is doubtful, and Quansah twisted his ankle against Panama. There are no more natural right-backs left, and Tuchel might have to stick with Djed Spence. Rice will be back in the midfield after being rested against Panama.

Congo have no injury concerns, and they are expected to field the same team that took the pitch against Uzbekistan in the last game.

Head-to-Head

England and DR Congo will lock horns against each other for the first time ever.

Predicted Lineups

England predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Jordan Pickford (GK); Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Jack O’Reilly; Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford; Harry Kane

DR Congo predicted lineup (4-4-2)

Lionel Mpasi-Nzau (GK); Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku; Nathanaël Mbuku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Noah Sadiki, Brian Cipenga; Yoane Wissa, Cédric Bakambu

Match Prediction

No wonder DR Congo has been a very difficult team to beat, and most importantly, their defence and attack have impressed equally. However, given England’s sheer quality and experience playing in such high-pressure games, we expect them to get the better of DR Congo and head to Mexico for the Round of 16 clash.

Prediction: England 2-0 DR Congo

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5,

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

Full Broadcaster List here.

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