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England's reward for topping their World Cup 2026 group is a round of 32 clash with knockout debutants DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday evening.
The Three Lions beat Panama 2-0 in their final group game to finish with seven points, while DR Congo beat Uzbekistan 3-1 to finish third in their group.
As such, both teams will face off for the first time, although there are players that are familiar with each other on each side as they play in the Premier League.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions, as well as our best betting offers for world cup.
England vs. DR Congo key stats
- England have reached at least the quarter-finals in the last four major tournaments.
- DR Congo have only won once in five games in all competitions (D2, L2).
- England have won 10 of 11 competitive matches under Thomas Tuchel (D1).
England vs. DR Congo preview: Three Lions to roar through?
| England | vs | DR Congo |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | FIFA Ranking | 46 |
| Harry Kane (117) | Most Caps | Chancel Mbemba (112) |
| Harry Kane (82) | Most Goals | Cedric Bakambu (21) |
| 885 | Total Caps | 844 |
| 115 | Total Goals | 86 |
| 0 | Uncapped Players | 0 |
England won Group L without being entirely convincing, but still collected seven points against Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
Tuchel will not care too much though as his team topped the group, as he aims to guide the Three Lions to at least a fifth successive quarter-final at a major tournament.
Of course, England will want to win the World Cup having last done so in 1966, but other teams like Argentina, France and Spain have been more favoured by bookies.
They will be favourites against DR Congo, but are facing an injury crisis at right-back with Jarell Quansah forced off against Panama and Reece James already injured.
DR Congo are set to play their first-ever World Cup knockout match, having qualified as one of the eight best third-placed teams in the group stage.
The Leopards notably held one of the pre-tournament favourites Portugal to a 1-1 draw, and Sebastien Desabre will have hope that his side can cause an upset.
They have a full-fit squad up for the challenge, but it will be a big ask to beat England.
DR Congo are not in the best form either having won just once in five games across all competitions (D2, L2), so all signs point towards an England victory.
England vs. DR Congo form guide & betting tips
| England | vs | DR Congo |
|---|---|---|
WWWDW |
Form | DLDLW |
| 10 | Goals For | 5 |
| 2 | Goals Against | 5 |
WDW |
World Cup 2026 | DLW |
Whispers predicts: England 2-0 DR Congo
England are 2/7 (1.29) favourites to win and 2/15 (1.13) favourites to qualify, but while we side with the bookies, we want to explore some more ambitious bets.
BTTS – No at 1/2 (1.50) as an opening bet makes sense, as 14 of England's last 15 wins have been to nil.
Of those 15 victories, five were by a 2-0 scoreline, so Correct score – 2-0 at 5/1 (6.00) could also be worth backing.
Under 2.5 goals at 19/20 (1.95) also appeals, as seven of England's last nine games and 13 of DR Congo's previous 16 matches have produced under 2.5 goals.
> BTTS – No at 1/2 (1.50) | Likelihood: Probable
> Under 2.5 goals at 19/20 (1.95) | Likelihood: Probable
> Correct score – 2-0 at 5/1 (6.00) | Likelihood: Outsider