England vs DR Congo Prediction. England, unbeaten Group L winners under pressure to deliver a convincing display, face DR Congo — the Leopards’ historic first ever World Cup knockout match — at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta on Wednesday, 1 July 2026 (16:00 UTC / 19:00 EAT). Kane is England’s all-time World Cup top scorer with 11. Wissa leads DR Congo after his brace vs Uzbekistan. Our prediction: both teams to score. Full analysis, team news, line-ups and all markets on SportPesa.
Match details
| Field | Detail |
| Competition | 2026 FIFA World Cup — Round of 32 |
| Date & kick-off | Wednesday, 1 July 2026 at 16:00 UTC / 19:00 EAT |
| Venue | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| How they qualified | England: Group L winners (7pts; beat Croatia, beat Panama 2-0, drew Ghana 0-0). DR Congo: highest-ranked third-placed team from Group K (drew Portugal 1-1, lost Colombia 0-1, beat Uzbekistan 3-1). |
| Historic significance | DR Congo’s first ever World Cup knockout stage appearance. |
| Format | Single elimination. If level after 90 mins: 30 mins extra time, then penalty shoot-out. |
| Where to watch | DSTV/GOTV |
Kane’s record pursuit vs DR Congo’s historic underdogs
The pressure is squarely on England to deliver a convincing performance after a group stage that, while unbeaten, raised real questions about their attacking fluency. Thomas Tuchel’s side beat Croatia and Panama but were held to a goalless draw by Ghana, struggling at times to break down a compact defensive shape — precisely the kind of challenge DR Congo are expected to present again here.
Harry Kane’s goal in the 2-0 win over Panama made him England’s all-time leading World Cup scorer with 11 goals, surpassing the previous record. He has now scored in two of his last three matches against African opposition and leads the attacking line once again. Bukayo Saka retains his place on the right, while Marcus Rashford may get the nod on the left with Anthony Gordon expected to drop to the bench. Jude Bellingham, who scored his first goal of this World Cup against Panama, continues in the advanced midfield role.
Defensively, England face fresh selection issues: Jarrell Quansah limped off against Panama and, with Reece James already ruled out, Djed Spence continues at right-back. The rest of the back line remains unchanged.
DR Congo arrive in Atlanta having already made history simply by reaching this stage — their first ever World Cup knockout appearance, achieved as the highest-ranked third-placed team across all groups. Yoane Wissa’s brace against Uzbekistan was instrumental in that qualification, and he leads the attacking line once again. Cédric Bakambu starts alongside him, with Nathanaël Mbuku offering attacking depth from the left flank. The rest of the side, fully fit, is expected to be unchanged from the Uzbekistan win.
England are undoubtedly favourites, but Tuchel’s side will need to be wary of a DR Congo team determined to extend their historic run with an upset on one of football’s biggest stages.
Availability
| Player | Status |
| Jarrell Quansah (England) | DOUBT — limped off vs Panama. Confirm fitness before kick-off. |
| Reece James (England) | OUT — ruled out. Spence continues at right-back. |
Team news and expected line-ups
England: Kane leads. Saka retains place. Rashford likely starts over Gordon. Bellingham in advanced midfield. Spence continues at right-back.
DR Congo: Fully fit, unchanged XI expected. Wissa leads after his brace. Bakambu starts alongside him. Mbuku offers width from the left.
| England (4-3-3) | DR Congo (4-4-2) |
| Pickford (GK) | Mpasi (GK) |
| Spence (RB) | Wan-Bissaka (RB) |
| Stones (CB) | Mbemba (CB) |
| Guehi (CB) | Kapuadi (CB) |
| Trippier (LB) | Masuaku (LB) |
| Rice (DM) | Mukau (RM) |
| Bellingham (AM) | Moutoussamy (CM) |
| Saka (RW) | Mbuku (LM) |
| Rashford (LW) | Wissa (ST) |
| Kane (ST) | Bakambu (ST) |
| Foden (CM) | Kayembe (AM) |
Key stats
- England: Group L winners (7pts). Beat Croatia, beat Panama 2-0 (Kane), drew Ghana 0-0.
- Harry Kane: 11 World Cup goals — England’s all-time leading scorer at the tournament.
- Harry Kane: scored in 2 of his last 3 games against African opposition.
- Jude Bellingham: scored his first goal of this World Cup vs Panama.
- England form (last 5): W D W W W — unbeaten in all competitions.
- DR Congo: highest-ranked third-placed team from Group K. Drew Portugal 1-1, lost Colombia 0-1, beat Uzbekistan 3-1.
- DR Congo: first ever World Cup knockout stage appearance in their history.
- Yoane Wissa: scored a brace vs Uzbekistan. DR Congo’s key attacking weapon.
- Cédric Bakambu: veteran forward starting alongside Wissa.
- Chancel Mbemba: DR Congo captain and defensive leader.
- DR Congo form (last 5): W L D L D — only 1 win in this run.
- H2H: first ever competitive match between England and DR Congo.
Head-to-head
England and DR Congo have never previously met in a competitive fixture. This World Cup Round of 32 match is the first ever competitive encounter between the two nations.
Current form
| Team | Last 5 (inc. WC group stage) |
| England | W D W W W — unbeaten in last 5 across all competitions |
| DR Congo | W L D L D — only 1 win in this run; historic qualification regardless |
Our prediction
England have looked defensively solid throughout the group stage, while DR Congo may struggle to create sustained pressure against a well-organised opponent. Their compact, disciplined defensive approach against an England side that has occasionally struggled for fluency makes for an intriguing tactical contest.
Despite being favourites, England must not underestimate the Leopards, who have shown throughout this tournament that they can compete among the best. Wissa’s proven ability to score against quality opposition, combined with England’s sometimes patchy attacking fluency, makes a goal at both ends a realistic outcome.
Our prediction: both teams to score.
Odds and markets
Odds correct at 1900 hrs UTC on 01/07/2026 and subject to change.
How to bet on SportPesa
- Open the England vs DR Congo event page on SportPesa (link above).
- Choose your market — Single Bet (SB), Multi-Bet (MB), or Live Bet (LB) once the match starts.
- Enter your stake and place your bet.
Frequently asked questions
What time does England vs DR Congo kick off?
Kick-off is at 16:00 UTC / 19:00 EAT on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
How many World Cup goals has Harry Kane scored?
Harry Kane scored his 11th World Cup goal in England’s 2-0 win over Panama, making him England’s all-time leading scorer at the tournament. He has now found the net in two of his last three matches against African opposition.
Is this DR Congo’s first ever World Cup knockout match?
Yes. DR Congo qualified for the Round of 32 as the highest-ranked third-placed team across all groups, marking their first ever appearance in a World Cup knockout match.
Why is Reece James not playing for England?
Reece James has been ruled out through injury. Djed Spence continues at right-back in his absence, having also started in that position during the group stage.
Have England and DR Congo played before?
No. This World Cup Round of 32 match is the first ever competitive fixture between England and DR Congo.
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