English caution meets Congolese discipline: prediction for England vs DR Congo - 01.07.2026
The Round of 16 clash at the World Cup between England and DR Congo will take place on July 1, 2026, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. England topped Group L, but head into the knockout stage with questions over their performance, while DR Congo have reached this stage of the tournament for the first time in their history.
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England: first place secured, but not fully convincing
England made a bright start to the tournament, beating Croatia 4-2, but then struggled against more defensive opponents. A goalless draw with Ghana and a 2-0 win over Panama revealed that Thomas Tuchel’s side doesn’t always find it easy to break down well-organized backlines.
Another headache is the right side of defense. Trent Alexander-Arnold was left out of the squad by the coach, Tino Livramento was injured just before the tournament, and both Reece James and Jarell Quansah are temporarily sidelined through injury. On the plus side, Declan Rice is expected to return after missing the Panama match due to a minor knock and the risk of suspension.
DR Congo: historic playoff and focus on discipline
DR Congo have reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, picking up crucial points in a tough group. They held Portugal to a 1-1 draw in their opener, lost 0-1 to Colombia, and in a decisive game against Uzbekistan, turned things around to win 3-1.
Sébastien Desabre has shown a knack for setting his team up to frustrate technically superior opponents. Against Portugal and Colombia, the Congolese deployed a more cautious 5-3-2 formation, and a similar approach is likely against England. In attack, Yoane Wissa remains the key figure, having scored three of DR Congo’s four group stage goals.
Probable lineups
- England: Pickford, O’Riley, Konsa, Guehi, Spence, Rice, Anderson, Bellingham, Gordon, Madueke, Kane.
- DR Congo: Mpasi-Nzau, Mbemba, Kapuadi, Tuanzebe, Wan-Bissaka, Masuaku, Moutoussamy, Mukau, Kayembe, Bakambu, Wissa.
Match facts and head-to-head
- England have scored more than 2 goals in regular time in just 5 of their last 28 World Cup matches
- There have been no more than 10 corners in regular time in 15 of England’s last 16 World Cup games
- No more than two goals have been scored in seven of England’s last nine matches and in six of DR Congo’s last eight games.
Low tempo and a decisive moment: prediction for England vs DR Congo
DR Congo are exactly the kind of opponent who can turn this match into a tense, grinding contest for England. The “Leopards” know how to dig in, close down space, and have already proven their mettle against bigger names like Portugal and Colombia.
Nevertheless, England remain the favorites thanks to their quality, squad depth, and individual brilliance in the final third. Tuchel’s side will likely face a tough test, but a single moment from Kane, Bellingham, or one of the wide players could be enough to see them through to the next round.
