England – DR Congo Preview – Can Wissa and the Leopards pull off the shock?
DR Congo are here for the first time. No Congolese generation has seen their country in a World Cup knockout round, and Yoane Wissa is the player who made it happen. The Newcastle United forward scored all three of DR Congo’s group-stage goals. The draw with Portugal proved this team can hold shape under elite pressure; the win over Uzbekistan showed they can finish when the gap opens.
England topped Group L, but the tournament so far has been uneven. The goalless draw with Ghana is the result that lingers, against a side they expected to break down, the Three Lions created very little. The win over Croatia was their most clinical outing, yet England have not looked irresistible at any point this summer. England have quality in attack; they just have not used it consistently.
England – DR Congo Betting Tips
England go into Atlanta on 1 July with a right-back crisis. Reece James is reportedly out with a hamstring injury. Tino Livramento was already gone earlier in the tournament, replaced in the squad by Trevoh Chalobah. Bukayo Saka is on managed minutes due to an Achilles problem, with Thomas Tuchel publicly saying England need to “take care” of him. Head to the World Cup betting odds at the sportsbook to see the full range of available markets before you decide.
Betting Tip: Both teams to score
DR Congo coach Desabre has been explicit that his team will attack. Wissa targeting the right side England are struggling to fill gives the Leopards a concrete route to goal from the opening minutes. England have the attacking depth to score against most opposition even when not at full flow. A clean sheet for either side in this context would be the bigger surprise.
Betting Tip: Draw no bet: England
England have the stronger squad in attack. Kane leads the line and the midfield has enough quality to win a close match. The draw no bet covers the scenario where DR Congo equalise and the tie goes to extra time, the real exposure in this fixture. England winning is the likeliest single outcome; the DNB removes the sting if an equaliser comes from a team with every reason to push for one.
England’s right-back problem and its cost
The right-back disruption affects England’s attack as much as their defence. Their typical pattern runs through an overlapping full-back linking with Saka on the right, building from a secure platform. With Chalobah filling in for James and Saka on limited minutes, that right channel is blunted at both ends. Tuchel will lean on central build-up and the left flank, ground this squad covers less naturally.
Wissa’s pace and direct running are a problem for a full-back playing out of position. In our DR Congo vs Uzbekistan preview, we covered how he leads a collective pressing game and creates from advanced areas. England’s patchwork right side will see plenty of him on Wednesday.
What to expect in Atlanta
Kick-off is 16:00 GMT on 1 July 2026 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This is one of the more open ties in the last 32: our South Africa vs Canada preview covers another fixture in this round where tournament momentum is carrying a live underdog into the knockout stage.
England should advance. Squad quality and attacking depth still favour them. But Desabre’s team has been organised, physical, and willing to press high, and they are not travelling to Atlanta to sit back. The both-teams-to-score pick follows from that: one opening for Wissa against a vulnerable right side, and at least one from England’s forwards in a match that should stay competitive until the final quarter.
Frequently asked questions
When does England vs DR Congo kick off?
Wednesday 1 July 2026, 16:00 GMT, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Who is the favourite?
England are the stronger side and are expected to advance, but the right-back injuries and Saka’s fitness bring the gap closer than a typical England knockout match. This has the shape of the other underdog ties in this round, like the Jordan vs Argentina match.
What is our main tip?
Both teams to score. Wissa is the form striker of this tournament and will target England’s exposed right side. DR Congo intend to attack. Check the latest odds and place your bets at the sportsbook before the 16:00 GMT start on 1 July.
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