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England vs DR Congo World Cup 2026 preview: Kickoff time, predicted lineups, head-to-head, betting odds, and final score prediction for the Round of 32 clash.
*Match Info*
*Fixture*: England vs DR Congo
*Tournament*: FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 32
*Date*: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
*Kickoff*: 9:00 PM PDT / 11:00 PM WIB
*Venue*: Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, USA
*TV*: FOX US, Peacock Premium, Fubo TV
*Form Guide: England vs DR Congo*
This is a historic first meeting. England arrive as Group L winners with 7 points from 3 games. Under Thomas Tuchel, the Three Lions have lost just once in their last 13 matches, keeping 9 clean sheets.
DR Congo snuck through as one of the best third-placed teams. The Leopards held Portugal to a 1-1 draw and beat Uzbekistan 3-1. Manager Sebastien Desabre has built a compact, counter-attacking side that averaged only 38.5% possession.
*Team News & Predicted Lineups*
*England [4-2-3-1]*: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.
Key man: `Harry Kane` leads the Golden Boot race with 3 goals. `Jude Bellingham`’s late runs will be crucial vs a deep block.
*DR Congo [3-4-1-2]*: Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Masuaku; Mbuku; Bakambu, Wissa.
Key man: `Yoane Wissa` has scored 3 of Congo’s 4 World Cup goals. Expect a 5-3-2 defensive shape to frustrate England.
*Tactical Battle*
England will dominate the ball. Tuchel’s side average 65.3% possession and look to suffocate games after scoring first. The problem: breaking down a low block. England managed only 3 shots on target from 19 attempts vs Ghana.
Congo will sit deep and hit on the break. With Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Arthur Masuaku at wing-back, they have pace to exploit space behind England’s fullbacks.
*Betting Odds & Prediction*
*Odds*: England -353 | Draw +500 | DR Congo +1300 | Under 2.5 Goals +100
Most models favor a controlled England win. Congo are disciplined but lack firepower for 90 minutes. Expect England’s quality to tell after the 60th minute.
*Final Score Prediction: England 2-0 DR Congo*
*Best Bets*: Under 2.5 Goals @1.91, England Win to Nil @1.95, Harry Kane Anytime Scorer @1.80.
*What’s Next?*
The winner goes straight to the Round of 16 to face the winner of Mexico vs Ecuador. For England, it’s a chance to avoid an upset and set up a potential clash with hosts Mexico.
*Verdict*: England’s talent gap is too big over 90 minutes. Back the Three Lions to advance, but don’t expect a goal fest.
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