England vs. DR Congo Round of 32 Prediction: FIFA World Cup Odds, Betting Picks
England open their knockout campaign on Wednesday at Atalanta Stadium against DR Congo in the Round of 32. Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions topped Group L with seven points, beating Croatia 4-2 before a frustrating 0-0 draw with Ghana and a 2-0 win over Panama sealed top spot.
DR Congo, meanwhile, are making history just by being here: this is the first time the Leopards have ever reached the knockout stage, 52 years after their only previous appearance as Zaire in 1974. They arrive on the strength of three goals from Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa and a dramatic second-half comeback against Uzbekistan that secured their place in the last 32.
Check out our full list of live 2026 World Cup betting odds.
England vs. DR Congo FIFA World Cup: How to Watch and Match Info
- Time: Wednesday, July 1 at 12 p.m. ET (noon)
- Stadium: Atlanta Stadium (Atlanta, Georgia)
- TV: TSN, TSN+
- Weather: Indoor, climate-controlled venue, but outside it will be 33.9°C, partly sunny
England vs. DR Congo Betting Odds
England sit at -350 on the 90-minute moneyline, while DR Congo are available at +1100 and the draw carries a +450 price. To advance, the Three Lions are listed at -1100, while DR Congo are priced at +600. The Over/Under 2.5; the Over has -110 odds, and the Under carries an identical -110 price.
England vs. DR Congo Predicted Starting XI Lineups
England Predicted Starting XI: 4-2-3-1
Pickford
James | Konsa | Guéhi | Spence
Rice | Anderson
Saka | Bellingham | Rashford
Kane
DR Congo Predicted Starting XI: 5-3-2
Mpasi
Wan-Bissaka | Mbemba | Tuanzebe | Kapuadi | Masuaku
Mukau | Moutoussamy | Kayembe
Wissa | Bakambu
England FIFA World Cup Odds and News
England have been polished in patches and flat in others across three group games. The 4-2 win over Croatia was the highlight, with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham both on the scoresheet, but the 0-0 draw with Ghana exposed vulnerabilities and raised questions about creativity in the absence of the injured Phil Foden and the omitted Cole Palmer. The 2-0 win over Panama was controlled and routine, with Tuchel rotating sensibly.
Bukayo Saka is managing an Achilles complaint worth monitoring, and Declan Rice missed the Panama game with a knock. Luckily, Tuchel has Marcus Rashford, Ollie Watkins, and Eberechi Eze off the bench, and the German is still unbeaten in 11 competitive matches as Three Lions manager.
DR Congo FIFA World Cup Odds and News
DR Congo’s path to Atlanta is one of the tournament’s most compelling stories. The Leopards held Portugal to a 1-1 draw in their opener, with Yoane Wissa equalizing on the stroke of half-time, before a 1-0 defeat to Colombia. They saved the best for last: trailing Uzbekistan at the break, they scored three second-half goals to claim a historic first World Cup victory and book their place in the Round of 32.
Wissa has now scored three of their four goals. Coach Sébastien Desabre has built a disciplined defensive unit anchored by captain Chancel Mbemba and former Manchester United full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
England vs. DR Congo Player Odds and Props
- Harry Kane (ENG) to score (-140): DR Congo’s defence has been breached in two of three group games, and Kane’s movement and finishing in tight areas make him the most reliable bet on the card.
- Yoane Wissa (DRC) 1+ shot on target (+100): Wissa has scored three of DR Congo’s four goals, and if DR Congo can build momentum on the counter, Wissa will be their main target. He has a shot on target in two of three World Cup matches.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Bracket and Futures
England are priced at +700 to win the World Cup, placing them among the four or five genuine title contenders. A win here sends the Three Lions into a potential Round of 16 clash with Mexico or Ecuador at Estadio Azteca. For DR Congo (1000-1), reaching the knockout rounds is already historic, and anything beyond this point would represent one of the tournament’s great upsets.
England vs. DR Congo Score Prediction
Best bet: Harry Kane to score anytime (-140)
England should advance, but Tuchel will want a performance rather than just a result. DR Congo’s compact shape and Wissa’s threat on the counter will keep it from being comfortable for long stretches. Kane anchors the attack against deep defensive blocks as well as any striker in the world, and he is the clearest bet in this matchup. Expect England to score early, create space in the second half, and see out a comfortable but not stress-free win.