The Democratic Republic of Congo continue their impressive run at the 2026 World Cup when they face one of the tournament favourites – England in their first knockout tie.
Ayomide Oguntimehin provides the lowdown for the July 1 clash in Atlanta.
England vs DR Congo match preview
England enter this clash as they aim for a win to continue their quest for a first major trophy since 1966, when they won the World Cup. Since then, they have come closer to ending that drought with two consecutive final defeats at the European Championship.
The Three Lions finished top of Group L, winning two of their three matches and recording one draw. They beat Croatia 4-2 in their opening group game, but were held to a goalless draw by Ghana in their second game. However, Thomas Tuchel’s side bounced back with a 2-0 win over Panama to book their place as group winners and into the Round of 32.
“We’ll be ready from the start.” 👊
Noni Madueke on our Round of 32 clash with DR Congo 🇨🇩
— England (@England) June 29, 2026
DR Congo, meanwhile, reached the knockout rounds of the World Cup for the first time in their history as one of the best-ranked third-placed teams. The Leopards were one of the nine African sides to progress from group stages and their task has not gotten any easier with England to come at Atlanta.
The African side recorded a shock 0-0 draw with Portugal in their opening match. While they were beaten by Colombia in their second group game, a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan sent them through to the next round.
England vs DR Congo Head-to-Head
England and DR Congo will face-off for the first time in history at the senior level of international football.
Best betting odds
- Home (England) to Win – 1.29 (via 1xBet)
Revivez les meilleurs moments de la victoire de nos Léopards face à l’Ouzbékistan (3-1), synonyme de qualification en 16ème de finale de la Coupe du Monde.
Une équipe. Une nation. Une histoire.#TousDerrièreLesLéopards #RDC #RDcongo #FIFA #WorldCup2026 #Atlanta #Congo pic.twitter.com/7GERwOl0hz
— Compte Officiel de Léopards (@fecofa_kinshasa) June 28, 2026
Prediction
England are massive favourites heading into this tie and have more than enough quality to hurt DR Congo in attack and book their place in the Round of 16 of the World Cup.
Recent form: England
England have been impressive in recent outings and they are currently unbeaten in their last five matches, winning four and recording one draw.
Thomas Tuchel’s men have managed four clean sheets during this period, including in their last two games at the World Cup and they only failed to score once during this run.
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Recent form: DR Congo
DR Congo have been on a poor run of form, although they snapped their four-game winless run with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan in their final group game which also sealed their qualification.
The Leopards have not kept a clean sheet in any of their previous five matches although they scored in three of the five matches.
Player to watch
Yoane Wissa (DR Congo)
Ex-Nigerian defender Dimeji Lawal: DR Congo made Portugal look ordinary
Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa has been DR Congo’s best player at the World Cup so far and has already scored three times at the tournament.
His awareness and pace could cause England defence at the backline and give his side a chance of getting a result from the clash.
