England v DR Congo – predictions and odds – 2026 World Cup (1 July 2026)

England arrive in Atlanta on the back of an inconsistent group stage. Their thrashing of Croatia in their opening match suggested the Three Lions were in fine form, but the 0–0 draw against Ghana dampened some of that enthusiasm. It was the poorest performance of the entire group stage up to that point, with England’s first shot on target not coming until the 56th minute. And the final match against Panama, although it ended in victory, was against a team that had already been eliminated and had nothing to lose. Tuchel knows his side have yet to show their best form, and that, in a knockout tie, counts for a lot.

Facing them is a DR Congo side that has been on one of the most inspiring journeys of this World Cup. The country hadn’t played in a World Cup since 1974, when it competed under the name Zaire, and on this historic return it has proved to be much more than just a token team. Wissa scored the country’s first-ever World Cup goal against Portugal to kick off with a draw that left the whole of Europe speechless, and on the final matchday they staged a comeback against Uzbekistan to seal their qualification. This is no team just here for a stroll.

The key to the Congo’s success lies in their physicality and the quality of their players in the Premier League. Wissa at Newcastle, Wan-Bissaka at West Ham and captain Chancel Mbemba at Lille are players with experience at the highest level in Europe, and they know the English players well. Wan-Bissaka, born in England and raised in English football, knows exactly how the opponents he faces play. That is no minor detail in a knockout tie.

The problem for Congo is that the gap in squad quality remains considerable, and a single-leg tie offers no mercy for defensive errors. If Kane or Bellingham find space, the game could turn on a sixpence.

Congo aren’t here to play it safe; they have players with a real ability to cause damage, and England need to redeem themselves after a lacklustre group stage. The stage is set for a match with more intensity and more goals than England’s recent fixtures.