England vs Congo DR, FIFA World Cup, 2026, Today Match Prediction

England vs Congo DR Match Prediction & Analysis

Having already faced Ghana in the group stage, England now take on another African opponent in DR Congo, this time with a place in the quarter-finals on the line. 

The Round of 32 clash at Atlanta Stadium presents a fresh challenge for England, who are playing at the venue for the first time, while DR Congo return to familiar surroundings after featuring there in their final group-stage match. 

England cruised into the knockouts as group winners, whereas DR Congo battled through as one of the best third-placed teams, setting up an intriguing first-ever meeting between the two nations in a World Cup. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

England Preview

England's route to the Round of 32 may read as two wins and a draw, but the performances told different stories. They opened with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia before being frustrated in a goalless draw against a deep-defending Ghana side despite dominating possession with 78% of the ball—a tactical challenge they could face again against DR Congo. 

They eventually found a way past another defensively disciplined team in Panama, winning 2-0 after Marcus Rashford's introduction on the left added greater directness, making him a strong contender to keep his place ahead of Anthony Gordon.

Thomas Tuchel's biggest concern, however, is at right-back. With Reece James unlikely to recover after limping off injured and Jarell Quansah also a doubt after replacing him against Panama, England could be forced into another reshuffle. That leaves Tuchel weighing up options such as Djed Spence or moving Ezri Konsa from the heart of defence for a crucial knockout clash.

Key Players 

Harry Kane will again lead the line for England against Congo, but he will need to be far more influential than he was against Ghana. 

Even so, the England captain arrives in a confident mood after breaking Gary Lineker’s record for the most World Cup goals by an English player, taking his tally to three in the tournament. Jude Bellingham also heads into the knockout clash with momentum on his side, having already contributed two goals and an assist.

Team News 

Jarell Quansah and Reece James are the only injury concerns heading into the game versus DR Congo. 

England Probable Starting XI -  Pickford (GK); Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly, Anderson, Rice, Saka, Bellingham, Rashford, Kane

Congo DR Preview

DR Congo return to the very stadium where they sealed their place in the Round of 32 with a stirring comeback victory over Uzbekistan. Trailing 1-0 and staring at a draw, the Leopards turned the game on its head after Yoane Wissa converted a 68th-minute penalty before adding a second in a memorable 3-1 win. 

The victory secured their first-ever World Cup knockout qualification on their return to the tournament after a 52-year absence. Yet their biggest statement arguably came in the opener, when they fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against Portugal, while they also pushed Colombia all the way in a narrow defeat.

The group stage highlighted DR Congo's greatest strengths—resilience and defensive discipline. Having kept eight clean sheets during CAF qualifying, the Leopards have been comfortable conceding possession, averaging around 39% of the ball, and relying on a compact defensive shape. 

Expect them to adopt a similar approach against England, aiming to frustrate the favourites and seize any opportunity on the counter or force the tie deep into the game.

Key Players 

Led by Chancel Mbemba, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe and Arthur Masuaku, DR Congo's defence has the quality to make life difficult for any opponent. But their biggest threat remains Yoane Wissa, who has scored three of the team's four goals and could be the one to tilt the contest in Congo's favour.

Team News 

Unlike their counterparts, Congo have no injury concerns or any other absentees to worry about. 

DR Congo Probable Starting XI -  Mpasi-Nzau (GK); Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Kapuadi, Masuaku, Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Kayembe, Wissa, Bakambu

ENGLAND vs CONGO DR
Winning Prediction

England enter this tie as clear favourites. Thomas Tuchel remains unbeaten in competitive matches since taking charge, winning 10 and drawing one of his 11 games, while his squad is packed with players accustomed to the pressure of major tournament knockouts. 

DR Congo have been one of the surprise packages of the competition and possess the defensive resilience to make life difficult, but England's superior quality and experience should ultimately see them book their place in the round of 16.

The bookmakers have England as clear favourites, pricing the Three Lions to win at 1.29, while Congo are marked at 13.00 and a draw at 5.25. 

England to win (1-0)

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