The knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup are underway, meaning the pressure is mounting with everything on the line for these teams. As the Round of 32 continues, Wednesday brings a matchup between England and the DR Congo. For the Three Lions, expectations are high but the team is yet to live up to those so far in the tournament. For Les Leopards, the chance to upset a power brings some extra motivation.
Kickoff for England vs. DR Congo is scheduled for Wednesday, July 1 at 12 p.m. ET in Atlanta, Georgia. Let’s dive in for a top prediction and pick on DraftKings Sportsbook for this 2026 FIFA World Cup match in the Round of 32.
Best bet for England vs. DR Congo
- DR Congo +1.5: England simply hasn’t performed at the peak of its powers in this tournament. After a blazing first win, the Three Lions had an ugly draw and even appeared shaky at points in their next victory. They have far more talent than the DR Congo, but Les Leopards are feisty and aren’t a team that’ll back down. The underdogs should be able to keep this game within a goal.
England vs. DR Congo prediction, pick
England entered the World Cup as one of the favorites to win the whole tournament. Now, the odds have the Three Lions at +700 odds, tied for third among all squads on DraftKings Sportsbook. In the latest FIFA rankings, the English sit No. 4 overall as well.
There have been growing pains for Thomas Tuchel’s side during his tenure. Yes, he’s likely a better option than Gareth Southgate, but England was inconsistent during the friendlies earlier this year and similar issues cropped up in Group L play.
They managed to win the group with seven points, winning two of their games outright. Those victories came 4-2 over Croatia in the opener and 2-0 over Panama in the third contest. However, the latter was far from a screaming success from start to finish like the former. Plus, an 0-0 draw at the hands of Ghana put a damper on a perfect run through the group, too. They get plenty of volume when it comes to shots, but may need to be more decisive with decision-making and finishing. If the talent performs up to par though, England is tough for any squad to match. Harry Kane remains one of the best goalscorers in the world. Jude Bellingham is elite, while Bukayo Saka, Elliot Anderson and more form parts of an excellent middle in front of a back half that includes March Guehi and Nico O’Reilly, with Jordan Pickford in the net.
The DR Congo are back on the World Cup stage for the first time since 1974, putting over half a century between appearances. As such, making it into the knockouts is quite the accomplishment, especially at a ranking of 41st in the world.
The results thus far are quite solid for Les Leopards. While they finished just third in Group K with four points with a +1 goal differential, they’ve put some respectable performances on tape. Their World Cup began with a 1-1 draw against a far superior Portugal side, playing out of possession for most of the day before smashing the equalizing goal just before half and holding on for the remainder of the match. Now, a 1-0 loss to Colombia was a disappointment, but it was far from a poor result against the No. 11 team in the world. Finally, the DR Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3-1, ending things on a high note prior to the elimination rounds. Yoane Wissa and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are two of the top players in the squad, joined by captain Chancel Mbemba as well. However, they lack the same level of talent throughout the starting XI, and certainly the depth of England.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, England is a -350 favorite on the Moneyline. The DR Congo holds +1200 odds for an upset. Bettors can also get a draw at +425 value.
The DR Congo plays with speed and is comfortable out of possession to make life difficult on opponents. Against an England squad that has appeared to flip a coin on any given day to determine its form, that could spell trouble. This is a match the Three Lions should win, but it could prove much closer than some expect. The English simply aren’t playing at their best right now, and if they get out to a sluggish start in the fixture, then it could spell significant trouble. The key for them is going to be keeping the pressure on the opposing net. Given what Les Leopards have shown so far in this tournament though, the underdog has what it takes to keep the score close and cover. The DR Congo won’t be going away easy.
Best Bet: DR Congo +1.5 (-115)
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