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

* Odds from Betway, correct at time of writing.

England take on Congo DR at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday, with kickoff at 18:00 CAT in this 2026 World Cup Round of 32 tie. The Three Lions won Group L with seven points and Harry Kane in record-breaking form, while Congo DR reached the knockouts for the first time in their history as one of the best third placed sides. This looks a clear mismatch on paper, but knockout football has a habit of testing the favourites. For all our World Cup betting tips, head to our dedicated section.

England

England topped Group L with wins over Croatia and Panama either side of a goalless draw with Ghana, and in my opinion they have more than enough quality to brush Congo DR aside. Harry Kane is in superb form and his header against Panama took him to eleven World Cup goals, an England record, while Jude Bellingham has also chipped in from midfield. The one concern for me is at right back, where Tino Livramento is out injured and Reece James is a doubt, so a reshuffle in that area is likely. But despite those issues, I expect England to dominate possession and patiently break down a deep Congo DR block on their way to the last 16.

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

Congo DR

Congo DR are the romantic story of this round, qualifying for the first time after a thrilling 3-1 comeback win over Uzbekistan, with Yoane Wissa scoring twice. From my point of view they will set up in a compact low block and look to hit England on the counter through Wissa's pace and finishing. They held Portugal to a draw in the group stage, so this is a side that can defend with real discipline when the game demands it. With no major injury or suspension worries reported, I expect them to sit deep, stay patient and hope for a moment from Wissa.

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

England carry far too much quality across the pitch and I expect Kane and Bellingham to find a way through eventually. Congo DR will defend deep and make life awkward early on, but over ninety minutes I think the Three Lions wear them down and pull clear. A comfortable England win to nil is my expectation as they march into the last 16. My forecast: England 3 Congo DR 0.

Over 2.5 Goals (1.83)

I am backing over 2.5 goals and my read on this is that England have the firepower to run up a comfortable scoreline. Kane is scoring for fun, Bellingham and Rashford add further threat, and once England break the deadlock against a tiring block I expect more goals to follow. Even allowing for a slow start against a stubborn defence, the gulf in quality should tell over the full match.