World Cup 2026: England vs. DR Congo Predictions

England vs. DR Congo Overview and Latest Odds

As per the latest World Cup odds, England is the overwhelming favorite to defeat DR Congo in its Round of 32 clash on Wednesday. The European heavyweights have advanced past the first knockout round in each of their last four successive major tournaments, while this is only Congo’s second-ever appearance at the World Cup.

• Location: Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, United States

• Date & Time: Wednesday, July 1, 12:00 PM ET

• US Broadcast: FOX Sports

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Expert Betting Predictions and Best Bets for England vs. DR Congo

Having completed hours of extensive research, we’ve identified three top value bets ahead of the England vs Congo matchup. Check them out below.

• Jude Bellingham To Score or Assist

Bellingham is in excellent form for England, scoring two goals and picking up an assist across three group-stage games. He’s been the star man in the midfield, and will naturally pick up very advanced spaces in between the lines. Plus even money is good value for a player who frequently delivers in the big moments for the Three Lions.

• Yoane Wissa 1+ Shots on Target

Another player heading into this game red hot is Wissa. He’s already netted three times for Congo at this year’s tournament, and he will be expected to have at least a couple of chances against England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. The Leopards will look to hit on the counterattack, and England has looked vulnerable at times in transition. Their central defense featuring the likes of Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, and John Stones has not shown enough authority. Wissa has registered three shots on target at the World Cup so far, making this a strong value play.

• Half-Time Result Draw

Congo will have a clear strategy for this game: defend, stay compact, and not give up any space in behind. England has been level at half time in all three group-stage matches so far, and they will struggle to break the Leopards down. A moment of magic from either Bellingham or Harry Kane will likely unlock Congo in the second half, but there’s good value on the score to be level after the first 45.

England Betting Preview

It wouldn’t be a World Cup for England if they weren’t met with pessimism from the media and the fans. The excitement from a 4-2 win over Croatia, particularly regarding the inspiring attacking display in the second half, has quickly simmered down. The moans and groans following a laborious 0-0 draw with Ghana and an underwhelming 2-0 win over Panama has ultimately tempered expectations.

That said, perspective is important. England topped Group L, are undefeated, and have kept successive clean sheets. Kane has just become England’s all-time leading goalscorer at the World Cup, and Bellingham is arguably playing his best soccer in an England shirt. Elliot Anderson, who is set to sign for Manchester City, has also impressed in the middle of midfield.

Injury concerns to Declan Rice and Reece James haven’t exactly eased concerns, however. There was a clear lack of balance against Panama due to their absences. It’s good news, though, in the midfield department, as Rice is expected to start against Congo. The main issue now is who occupies the right back position. James is unlikely to feature on Wednesday, and Jarell Quansah was forced off against Panama due to an ankle injury. Djed Spence is likely to start as a result.

DR Congo Betting Preview

Congo has only ever played at one World Cup before, competing as Zaire in 1974, but they failed to win a match. The Leopards earned their first win at this year’s edition, defeating Uzbekistan 3-1 on Matchday 3 to secure their place in the Round of 32. They’ve certainly not looked out of their depth, also picking up a point in a 1-1 draw with Portugal and narrowly losing 1-0 to Colombia.

Newcastle United striker Wissa has been key to Congo’s success thus far. He scored the equalizer against Portugal in Matchday 1, and then bagged a brace against Uzbekistan to earn all three points. England will need to contain him here. Wissa is not the only player with experience at the top level. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Chancel Mbemba, and Noah Sadiki all play or have played in the Premier League, so they know what’s expected from them against England.

Sébastien Desabre will know his team cannot match England on a technical level. That means they will play with a deep defensive line, stay structured, and hit quickly on the counter. Resolute defensive displays against Portugal and Colombia prove they can cause issues for Thomas Tuchel.

How England and DR Congo Match Up Against Each Other

Tuchel’s side will be expected to dominate the play against Congo. They have averaged the second-most possession in the tournament so far (65.9%), only behind Spain, and Congo has controlled less than 40% of the ball through their first three games. Against Portugal and Colombia, Desabre’s men had just 25% and 35% of possession respectively.

England struggled to break down Ghana’s low block during Matchday 2, so Congo will certainly take positives from that and approach this game in a similar manner. They’ll look to sit deep, stay compact, and hit on the counterattack. There were a couple of nervy moments for the Three Lions against both Ghana and Panama when they got hit on the break. An in-form forward in Wissa could capitalize.

Exploiting the wide areas is a clear tactic implemented by Tuchel and his coaching staff. England has continued to target the flanks, looking towards Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, and Noni Madueke for creativity. Getting crosses into the box and having runners in behind helps to eventually unlock defenses playing with a low block. That will be the approach for England once again against Congo.