England’s first knockout game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup pits them against a nation with more than a few familiar faces. Plenty of DR Congo’s line-up have played in the Premier League and will be well-versed in attempting to shut out their rivals.
Thomas Tuchel will be buoyed by early knockout results though, even if his native Germany were surprisingly beaten by Paraguay. While Brazil have advanced in England’s quarter of the draw, some big names being eliminated should only serve as a catalyst that England can progress a long way.
For what is sure to be a nervy occasion against talented enough opponents, England should still break through. We give our best bets for the match on Wednesday 1 July below, as the Three Lions attempt to book their round of 16 berth.
England vs DR Congo Match Odds
England are no bigger than 2/7 to win in 90 minutes against DR Congo. The African nation are priced up at 14/1 for the upset, with odds of 9/2 the biggest for the match to go to extra time after a draw.
England vs DR Congo Tips & Predictions
For those hoping for England to click into overdrive in the last 32, the initial results of the knockout matches should temper expectations. Germany succumbed to huge underdogs Paraguay, with Netherlands also failing to provide Europe with their first knockout victory this tournament. Canada were held until stoppage time by South Africa and Brazil are the only team to score more than once since the group stage concluded.
Knockout matches are invariably cagier than their group stage counterparts. Outsiders in each game have favoured cautious approaches: that did not suit Japan, but did help Paraguay cause their shock result. DR Congo, while relatively expansive in their Group K matches, will likely retreat here, as was their aim against Portugal.
They conceded an early goal there, which will give hope to Thomas Tuchel. However, England have required the half-time break before accelerating in all three matches so far. Even against Croatia, where it was 2-2 at the interval, they created their best chances after half-time. That was also true in the Panama match, in which they eventually broke their opponents down after an hour.
It may again be the case that England fans are left waiting longer than expected to celebrate. When they do, Harry Kane should be the man to lean on once again, and it is much better value to back him as the first goalscorer at 3/1 than at 4/5 any time, especially in a game in which so few goals are predicted. Should there be an England player on the front foot throughout, it will be Marcus Rashford, who regularly cut inside to good effect against Panama, and may sting the DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi’s palms the most.
Our Tips for England vs DR Congo
Half Time/Full Time: Draw/England @ 3/1
Harry Kane First Goalscorer @ 3/1
Marcus Rashford Over 2.5 Shots On Target @ 7/1
England vs DR Congo Head-To-Head
This will be the first time England have faced DR Congo in any capacity in international football.
England vs DR Congo World Cup Record
This is England’s eighth successive appearance at a World Cup finals, last missing the tournament in 1994 when it was last held in the USA. England are former champions too, of course, winning the Jules Rimet trophy in 1966 on home soil.
DR Congo are making their second appearance in 2026. It is their first under their current guise, their debut appearance in 1974 being made when the country was known as Zaire. Back then, they lost every game to go out in the groups.
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