Preview: England vs DR Congo – Latest News, Predicted Lineups, Team News | 2026 World Cup (01/07/2026)

Last update at 30 June, 2026⏲️ Reading time: 6 minutes

Round of 32 clash between England vs DR Congo.

England vs DR Congo face off in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup.

England begin the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup against DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday evening, with Thomas Tuchel's side looking to build on an unbeaten group-stage campaign.

The Three Lions topped Group L with seven points, beating Croatia 4-2, drawing 0-0 with Ghana and defeating Panama 2-0. It has not always been fluent, but England have reached the Round of 32 with their biggest names delivering when required.

DR Congo arrive as one of the tournament's most compelling stories. Sébastien Desabre's side finished third in Group K and advanced after a dramatic 3-1 comeback win over Uzbekistan. Yoane Wissa scored twice after the break, with Fiston Mayele also on target, as the Leopards recorded their first World Cup victory and secured a historic knockout tie with England.

Latest news: absences, form, team news

England's main concern is at right-back, as Reece James is battling a hamstring injury, Tino Livramento has already withdrawn from the squad with a calf problem and Jarell Quansah is expected to miss out after twisting his ankle against Panama.

That leaves Tuchel with a selection dilemma. Djed Spence is the most natural replacement, although England could also reshuffle the defence if the manager wants greater experience in a knockout match.

There is better news in midfield, where Declan Rice is expected to return after being rested against Panama. Jude Bellingham also comes into the tie with momentum after scoring the opener and assisting Harry Kane in England's final group game.

Get Bonus

DR Congo should arrive with confidence after their comeback against Uzbekistan. Desabre's side showed character, athleticism and attacking threat in the second half, with Wissa producing the decisive performance.

England

Tuchel is expected to restore Rice to the starting XI, with Bellingham again operating in an advanced midfield role. Kane should lead the line, while Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford are strong candidates to start either side of him. The biggest question is the back four. Spence may start at right-back, with John Stones and Marc Guéhi likely to continue centrally if Stones is deemed fully ready. Nico O'Reilly could keep his place on the left.

DR Congo

DR Congo are expected to stay close to the team that beat Uzbekistan. Lionel Mpasi should continue in goal, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba and Arthur Masuaku give Desabre a defence with experience and physical presence. In midfield, Samuel Moutoussamy and Noah Sadiki can provide energy and ball-winning ability. Further forward, Wissa is the obvious danger man after his brace, while Cédric Bakambu offers experience and Mayele gives DR Congo another attacking option from the bench.

Teams H2H: Head-to-head stats

England and DR Congo have never previously met at senior international level. Wednesday's Round of 32 tie will therefore be the first fixture between the two nations. England arrive as clear favourites, but DR Congo have already shown they can survive difficult moments and punish opponents when momentum shifts.

Predicted line-ups

England are likely to bring Rice back into midfield, while Spence could be needed at right-back because of the injuries in that position. DR Congo should remain close to the side that completed the comeback against Uzbekistan.

Position	–England	–DR Congo
Goalkeeper	Jordan Pickford	Lionel Mpasi
Defenders	Djed Spence John Stones Marc Guéhi Nico O’Reilly	Aaron Wan-Bissaka Axel Tuanzebe Chancel Mbemba Arthur Masuaku
Midfielders	Declan Rice Elliot Anderson Jude Bellingham	Nathanaël Mbuku Samuel Moutoussamy Noah Sadiki Brian Cipenga
Forwards	Bukayo Saka Harry Kane Marcus Rashford	Yoane Wissa Cédric Bakambu

Tactical analysis: Can DR Congo test England's patched-up right side?

England will expect to control the ball and territory, but this match has one obvious pressure point: the right side of Tuchel's defence. If Spence starts, DR Congo may try to test him early. Wissa's movement and direct running can create problems, particularly if England push high and lose possession in midfield.

England's best route to control is through midfield. Rice should provide security, while Bellingham's ability to break lines could be decisive against a DR Congo side likely to defend compactly.

Kane will again be central to England's attacking rhythm. He can drop deep to link play, but Tuchel will also want enough runners around him to stretch DR Congo's back line. Saka and Rashford should have opportunities to attack if England move the ball quickly.

DR Congo's task is to stay in the game for as long as possible. If they frustrate England and turn the match into a tense knockout contest, their pace and physicality could make the favourites uncomfortable.

Key players to watch

Harry Kane (England)

Kane remains England's most reliable match-winner. His goal against Panama moved him ahead of Gary Lineker as England's leading scorer at World Cups, underlining his importance in the biggest matches. Against DR Congo, Kane's movement could be crucial. If he drops deep, he can pull defenders with him and create space for Bellingham, Saka and Rashford to attack. If England dominate territory, he should also receive chances inside the box. Kane to score first looks attractive if you expect England to start quickly, while Kane to score two or more is the bolder play if DR Congo struggle to contain England's pressure.

Yoane Wissa (DR Congo)

Wissa comes into the match full of confidence after scoring twice against Uzbekistan. The forward is quick, direct and clinical when given space, making him DR Congo's most dangerous attacking weapon. England should have more of the ball, but that may suit Wissa if DR Congo can counter quickly. His ability to attack space behind full-backs makes him the player England must track carefully. Wissa to register a shot on target should be a safe bet here.

Where to watch England vs DR Congo in the UK and Ireland

England vs DR Congo kicks off at 17:00 BST on Wednesday, July 1, at Atlanta Stadium, also known as Mercedes-Benz Stadium, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Get Bonus

In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live across the BBC and ITV World Cup schedule, with final channel allocation confirmed closer to kick-off.

In the Republic of Ireland, the match will be available live through RTÉ and RTÉ Player.

Market insights and probability predictions

England are heavy favourites to reach the last 16. Current betting markets imply approximately a 77% chance of an England win inside 90 minutes, compared to around 7% for DR Congo, while the draw is rated at roughly 16%.

The goals market expects England to control the match, though not necessarily run away with it. Under 2.5 goals is priced close to 52%, while both teams to score is rated lower in the current 2026 World Cup betting odds because of England's defensive record and DR Congo's likely counter-attacking approach.

There is still time to take advantage of the best bonuses and betting offers for the 2026 World Cup. Check out the latest promotions for new customers and claim extra value before they expire.

DR Congo have already made history and possess enough pace and physicality to make this uncomfortable, especially if England's right-back issues are exposed. However, England have greater depth, more knockout experience and stronger individual match-winners. If Bellingham and Kane are sharp, Tuchel's side should have enough to progress.