England meet DR Congo in the Round of 32 under the dome in Atlanta. The Three Lions are strong favorites at -335, but at +1329, the DR Congo will be hoping to pull off an all-time World Cup shock.
Sadly for the African side, my England vs. DR Congo prediction is confident in an England win with Thomas Tuchel’s team covering the spread.
Read on for my World Cup picks for Wednesday, July 1, with kickoff at 12 p.m. ET on FOX.
England vs Congo predictions
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TOP PICK
Who will win England vs Congo: England -1.5 (-122)
Congo reached this stage as third-placed finishers in what was, admittedly, a strong group. With the greatest of respect, this isn’t a team that’ll go very far. They’re a defense-first team who aren’t very expansive. In games against Colombia and Portugal, they had just four shots on target in total. Looking to sit back and frustrate teams, rather than go out and attack them.
England have struggled against the low-block so far in this tournament, but in the second half against Panama, they started to figure it out. The width wasn’t really working, but getting the ball to feet, in tight central positions, and playing it quickly did seem to change the game. DR Congo have good wingbacks and quick defenders, and will sit deep, so Tuchel will need to do similar here.
With this being a knockout game, it’s one DR Congo can’t settle for a draw, meaning that when they go behind, they will need to attack. That will, in turn, create chances on the counter for England and allow them to score twice. While England struggled against Panama, it’s notable that their second goal came five minutes after their first. Once the Three Lions get their opening goal, the rest should fall like dominoes.
Playable to -125.
COVERS INTEL: Only five teams have a higher xG than England so far, with Thomas Tuchel’s team expected to score 2.12 goals per game.England vs Congo Over/Under pick: Over 2.5 (-103)
The argument for backing Over 2.5 goals is similar to that of backing England against the spread, with an expectation that we should see one goal open the floodgates, with more following.
England have been confusing at times in this tournament. For 45 minutes against Croatia, they looked like the best team in the competition, and that was when Croatia weren’t just sitting back and soaking up pressure. Once we see DR Congo try and ask questions of England’s defense, we’ll see goals, whether that’s for England or their opposition.
The right back situation for England, with Reece James and Jarell Quansah injured, after seeing Tino Livramento go home to England with an injury, should offer hope for DR Congo, and their attacks are likely to go down their left flank, with Djed Spence often guilty of poor positioning and getting caught out when he goes forward to join England attacks.
Playable to -120.
England vs Congo projected lineup
England (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane
Congo (3-5-2): Mpasi; Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Kapuadi; Wan-Bissaka, Sadiki, Mukau, Moutoussamy, Masuaka; Wissa, Bakambu
England vs Congo injuries
England: Reece James (Out), Jarell Quansah (Out), Declan Rice (Questionable),
Congo: No injuries to report.
England vs Congo weather
The weather will not be a factor as this game is played in a dome.
England vs Congo odds
 England |
 Congo |
|
|---|---|---|
| -370 | Moneyline | +1400 |
| +450 | Draw | +450 |
| Over 2.5 (-103) | Total | Under 2.5 (+105) |
Odds courtesy of Kalshi.
How to watch England vs Congo
Check out FIFA's official 2026 World Cup website for more information.
| Location | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA |
| Date | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 |
| Time | 12 p.m. ET |
| TV | FOX |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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