World Cup 2026: England vs Congo DR Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds supplied by Betway and accurate when this was published.

Congo DR meet England at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday, with kickoff at 18:00 CAT in this Round of 32 clash at the 2026 World Cup. The Three Lions finished top of Group L on seven points with Harry Kane breaking records, while Congo DR made the knockouts for the first time ever as one of the strongest third placed teams. On paper this is a big mismatch, yet knockout games often ask awkward questions of the favourites. You will find all our World Cup betting tips in our dedicated section.

England

England won Group L after beating Croatia and Panama with a scoreless draw against Ghana in between, and I believe they have plenty of quality to see off Congo DR. Harry Kane is flying, and his headed goal against Panama moved him to eleven World Cup goals, a record for England, with Jude Bellingham also contributing from midfield. My only worry is at right back, as Tino Livramento is injured and Reece James is doubtful, so expect some changes there. Even so, I see England keeping the ball and slowly picking apart a deep Congo DR defence to reach the last 16.

Probable Lineup: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, Spence; Rice, Anderson; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.

Congo DR

Congo DR are the feel good story of this stage, getting through for the first time thanks to an exciting 3-1 fightback against Uzbekistan in which Yoane Wissa struck twice. As I see it, they will sit in a tight low block and try to catch England on the break using Wissa's speed and finishing. They drew with Portugal in the group, which shows they can defend with genuine discipline when required. There are no big injury or suspension problems reported, so I expect them to stay deep, be patient and wait for Wissa to produce something.

Probable Lineup: Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Cipenga, Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Mbuku; Bakambu, Wissa.

England have much more quality all over the park, and I think Kane and Bellingham will break the resistance in the end. Congo DR will sit back and frustrate them in the early stages, but across ninety minutes I expect the Three Lions to grind them down and ease away. I see England winning comfortably without conceding as they move into the last 16. My forecast: England 3 Congo DR 0.

Over 2.5 Goals (1.83)

My pick is over 2.5 goals, as I believe England have enough attacking power to put together a healthy scoreline. Kane cannot stop scoring, Bellingham and Rashford bring extra danger, and once the first goal goes in against a tiring defence I expect a few more to come. Even if it takes a while to break down a stubborn back line, the difference in quality should show over the whole game.