World Cup 2026: England vs DR Congo Odds, Best Bets & Prediction

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It is crunch time at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for England and they will be looking to make the most of topping the group, as they take on DR Congo.

Thomas Tuchel's side picked up seven points to win their pool with relative ease but the brass tacks of the tournament starts now.

DR Congo progressed from a tough group involving Colombia and Portugal, so they shouldn't fear this assignment.

All of the pressure is on England here though and they are odds on to win the match with most World Cup prediction outlets.

England

The pressure of a World Cup campaign always seems to get to England but they have been solid in all three performances thus far.

A big win against Croatia was backed up by a turgid draw with Ghana but they were patient in finding a way past Panama to top Group L.

This is where heroes are made though and Thomas Tuchel will want to see his side play with the handbrake off and chase an important win here against DR Congo.

Team News: Reece James and Jarnell Quansah remain out of action for England.

Predicted Lineup: Pickford, Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly, Rice, Anderson, Bellingham, Saka, Rashford & Kane.

DR Congo

Group K was headlined by Colombia and Portugal but DR Congo demonstrated real quality to progress themselves.

A draw with Portugal was backed up by a comeback win over Uzbekistan and they find themselves in the World Cup knockout stages for the very first time.

Nobody is giving DR Congo a hope here and they will be out to prove some doubters wrong and they have the tools to hurt England.

Team News: DR Congo have a fully fit squad to choose from here.

Predicted Lineup: Mpasi, wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku, Sadiki, Cipenga, Mbuku, Mayele, Bakambu & Wissa.

• H2H - This will be the first ever meeting between England and DR Congo at football.
• England topped Group L, scoring six goals and conceding two from their three games played.
• DR Congo progressed with four points from Group K, drawing with Portugal and beating Uzbekistan.
• Harry Kane and Yoann Wissa are playing in pursuit of the World Cup Golden Boot, having both scored three goals in the tournament so far.

Expectation is always ramped up on England when it comes to the knockout rounds of major tournaments and all of the pressure is on them here against DR Congo.

Topping the group was always the key objective for Thomas Tuchel's side, now they need to deliver on the biggest stage.

In games against Portugal and Colombia, DR Congo demonstrated their stability and with some decent players in their ranks, England could find this tough.

Both teams to score looks a decent shout at 15/8, as only Colombia have kept DR Congo out, while Draw at HT, England at FT could fit the narrative arc of a cagey game at 4/1.

The form of Harry Kane is a beacon of light for England and he looks great value to bag at least twice in the game at 11/2.

England to win & BTTS (7/2)

At this point in a major tournament, simply winning the game is key and England will be chasing that goal here.

However, they will be all too aware of the threats DR Congo pose and they will need to be wary of them.

With proven Premier League players in their ranks, DR Congo won't be overawed by this one and the longer it goes on, the more hope they will have.

However, England have class reverberating through their squad and they should win here, even if DR Congo give them a little bit of a scare.