FIFA World Cup 2026: England vs DR Congo Best Bets & Prediction

England’s FIFA World Cup campaign enters its most important phase on Wednesday night as Thomas Tuchel’s side face tournament surprise package DR Congo in the Round of 32. We have a preview, the best bets and a prediction for this England vs DR Congo match-up.

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Having topped Group L, the Three Lions now begin their quest to end a 60-year wait for World Cup glory. Standing in their way is a DR Congo side making history after reaching the knockout stages for the first time. While England will start as overwhelming favourites, the Leopards have already shown they are capable of frustrating more fancied opponents.

Betting Preview

England progressed through the group stage unbeaten, opening with an impressive 4-2 victory over Croatia before being held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Ghana. They rounded off Group L with a professional 2-0 win over Panama to finish top of the standings. Harry Kane has once again led from the front, becoming England’s all-time leading FIFA World Cup goalscorer, while Jude Bellingham has continued to influence matches from midfield.

Despite collecting seven points, England have not completely convinced.

Thomas Tuchel’s side have dominated possession for long periods but have occasionally struggled to break down organised defences. That could once again be the challenge against a disciplined DR Congo outfit that has built its success on defensive structure and quick counter-attacks.

For DR Congo, simply reaching the knockout stages represents one of the greatest achievements in the nation’s football history.

The Leopards qualified as one of the best third-placed teams after drawing 1-1 with Portugal, narrowly losing 1-0 to Colombia before defeating Uzbekistan 3-1 in a must-win encounter. Sébastien Desabre has assembled a well-organised side that has become increasingly difficult to break down, with experienced defender Chancel Mbemba marshalling the back line and Yoane Wissa providing the biggest attacking threat.

England will dominate the ball.

DR Congo will happily concede possession if it allows them to remain compact and exploit transitions.

That tactical battle could determine whether England cruise into the Round of 16 or face an uncomfortable evening in Atlanta.

Recent Form & Stats

• England finished top of Group L after collecting 7 points from three matches (W2 D1 L0).
  
• The Three Lions remain unbeaten under Thomas Tuchel in competitive football and have steadily improved as the tournament has progressed.
  
• England have averaged over 65% possession during the World Cup, underlining their control of matches.
  
• Harry Kane has scored three goals at the tournament and recently became England’s all-time leading FIFA World Cup goalscorer.
  
• Jude Bellingham has once again been England’s creative heartbeat, dictating play from midfield.
  
• DR Congo have been one of the surprise packages of the tournament, reaching the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
  
• The Leopards drew 1-1 with Portugal, lost 1-0 to Colombia, and beat Uzbekistan 3-1 to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
  
• Yoane Wissa has scored three of DR Congo’s four World Cup goals, making him England’s biggest defensive concern.
  
• This will be the first-ever senior international meeting between England and DR Congo.

Best Bets & Predictions

Prediction: England to win at 1.29.

Best Bet: Under 3.5 total goals at 1.29.

Value Bet: England to win & Harry Kane to score anytime at 2.15.