England vs Congo DR – Prediction, where to watch, kick-off time and line-ups 01-07

England and Congo DR face off in the round of 32 of the World Cup 2026. The match takes place this Wednesday, 01 July at 5 PM (BST), at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The Three Lions are the favourites, but Congo DR are in the knockout stages for the first time in 52 years and will be determined to spring a surprise. This England vs. Congo DR prediction points to an intriguing clash between an established powerhouse and a determined underdog.

Find out where to watch the match and what our experts are predicting, as well as the probable line-ups expected for today"s encounter.

England vs. Congo DR - Head-to-head record

The upcoming World Cup knockout match marks a completely new chapter, as England and Congo DR have never faced each other. This lack of shared history means both teams enter the unknown, with no past results to guide them in this fascinating encounter.

With no prior meetings, neither team holds a psychological advantage. Therefore, the analysis for the England vs Congo DR fixture will focus entirely on their current form and their tournament performance.

England - Unbeaten and Looking Strong

Here’s a closer look at England’s current situation as they head into the knockout stages. We will highlight the team’s momentum, their latest displays, and how they might approach this new test against Congo DR. We will also show you the probable England vs. Congo DR line-ups.

Recent form

England progressed unbeaten through the World Cup group stage, securing two wins and a draw. They began their World Cup campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia, followed by a 0-0 draw against Ghana. A decisive 2-0 win against Panama confirmed their top spot, showcasing an attack that scored six goals in three matches.

The team’s offensive prowess stems from star players in top form. Harry Kane has been clinical, leading the attack with three tournament goals. Midfielder Jude Bellingham, with two goals and an assist, remains a constant threat to opposing defences.

The squad enters the knockout stages largely fit, with no major suspensions. Declan Rice, a key midfielder, is set to return to the starting line-up, providing a significant boost. However, defensive worries persist due to James’s likely absence, as do those for Livramento and Quansah.

Results of the last five matches

Probable line-up for England

Pickford; Spence, O’Reilly, Konsa, Guehi; Rashford, Bellingham, Rice, Saka, Anderson; Kane.

Manager: Thomas Tuchel.

Congo DR - On a historic knockout run

Let’s analyse Congo DR’s current situation. We will look at the team’s momentum, their expectations for this match and their standout performers so far.

Recent form

Congo DR are writing a new chapter in their football history, having reached the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in 52 years. Their journey was a testament to their resilience, securing a 1-1 draw against Portugal before a narrow 1-0 loss to Colombia. They sealed qualification with a decisive 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, showing their ability to perform under pressure.

Under coach Sébastien Desabre, the team has built a reputation for defensive solidity and tactical discipline. They are difficult to break down and pose a threat in the counter-attack, using their forwards’ pace. Attacker Yoane Wissa has been their standout performer, finding the back of the net three times in the group stage.

This solid tournament form is no fluke, as Congo DR have lost two of their last ten matches across all competitions. A significant advantage is the absence of injured or suspended players, allowing Desabre to field his strongest line-up. They enter this historic encounter with a full-strength squad ready to challenge the tournament favourites.

Results of the last five matches

Probable line-up for Congo DR

Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Masuaku, Tuanzebe, Kapuadi; Sadiki, Moutoussamy, Mbuku; Wissa, Bakambu.

Manager: Sébastien Desabre.

England vs. Congo DR - Stats

• England won 16 of their last 21 matches across all competitions.
• Congo DR lost only four of their previous 21 encounters.
• England averages 2.0 goals per match in the World Cup.
• Congo DR averages 1.33 goals per game in the competition.
• Harry Kane leads England with three goals in three appearances.
• Yoane Wissa has also scored three goals for Congo DR in the group stage.

Predictions for England vs. Congo DR - England to win comfortably

England enters this knockout clash with strong momentum, having remained unbeaten and scoring freely during the group stage. With an attack led by the in-form Harry Kane, it is highly probable he will get on the scoresheet.

While Congo DR has shown impressive defensive resilience, the difference in quality should be evident from the start. We expect England to take control of the game early, making a lead at half-time a very likely scenario for the Three Lions.

Given England"s potent attack against a historic but less experienced Congo DR side, our main prediction is a victory by a comfortable margin. Therefore, the “-1.5 Asian Handicap" market seems like a strong possibility for this match.

England x Congo DR
Tip	Tip	Best Odd
	Harry Kane to score at any time	at BetMGM
Money Line	England to be winning at half-time	at BetMGM

The odds mentioned were collected at the time of writing this prediction and are subject to change. Always check the bookmaker"s site for up-to-date information.

Best markets to bet on England vs. Congo DR

Here are some more recommended bets on England vs. Congo DR for this anticipated knockout fixture.

🔥 Game & Goals - Double Chance & Over/Under - Full Time: 12 - +2.5 - 0.00 at BetMGM

England’s potent attack and Congo DR"s resilience suggest a match with a clear winner and goals. Therefore, a victory for either side combined with over 2.5 total goals offers good value.

🔥 Goals - Over/Under - Half Time: +0.5 - 0.00 at BetMGM

With the Three Lions expected to dominate from the start, an early goal is highly likely. Betting on at least one goal in the first half seems a solid choice for this game.

Where to watch England vs. Congo DR?

Here is where to watch England vs. Congo DR live:

• TV: BBC Sport (Gbr), UTV (Gbr), STV (Gbr), ITV 1 (Gbr), BBC One, ITV X (Gbr)
• Streaming: BBC Radio 5 Live (Gbr), BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport app (Gbr), STV Player (Gbr)

England vs. Congo DR - Match details

Check out the match details:

• Match: England vs. Congo DR
• Competition: World Cup 2026
• Date: 01/07/2026
• Kick-off: 5 PM (BST)
• Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, United States
• Broadcast: STV (Gbr), STV Player (Gbr), BBC Radio 5 Live (Gbr), BBC Sport app (Gbr), BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport (Gbr), ITV 1 (Gbr), ITV X (Gbr),  UTV (Gbr)

Enjoyed our betting analysis? Share it with your friends and check out more of our predictions on the site.