England vs DR Congo: Prediction, Team News & Lineups | World Cup 2026

England vs DR Congo prediction: Group L winners England meet the highest-ranked third-placed qualifier in the World Cup 2026 last 32, with the Three Lions chasing control and the Leopards carrying historic knockout belief.

Match Details

Match Preview with Interesting Fact

England begin the knockout stage of World Cup 2026 against DR Congo at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with Thomas Tuchel’s side looking to turn group-stage control into a more convincing last-32 performance.

The Three Lions finished top of Group L, but their performances did not remove every doubt. They opened with a thrilling win over Croatia, were frustrated by Ghana in a goalless draw, then beat Panama 2-0 after another slow first half.

Against Panama, England needed their elite players to make the difference. Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock and Harry Kane added the second, becoming England’s record World Cup scorer in the process.

DR Congo arrive with a different type of momentum. The Leopards qualified as the highest-ranked third-placed team after collecting four points and finishing with a positive goal difference. Their comeback win over Uzbekistan confirmed their first-ever World Cup knockout appearance as DR Congo.

The interesting fact is that DR Congo are playing in the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time. Their only previous World Cup appearance came as Zaire in 1974, when they exited in the group stage without a point.

England Team Analysis

England have done what was required, but the level still needs to rise. Tuchel remains unbeaten in competitive matches as England boss, and the team have enough individual quality to go deep into the tournament.

Kane remains the focal point. After becoming England’s record World Cup scorer against Panama, he now turns his attention to the knockout stage, where his penalty-box movement and finishing will be vital against a compact DR Congo defence.

Bellingham is the emotional and creative driver. His ability to carry the ball, break lines and arrive in decisive areas gives England a different rhythm when matches become slow or blocked.

The main concern is right-back. Reece James remains unlikely to return quickly, and Jarell Quansah picked up an ankle injury against Panama. That should mean Djed Spence starts, with Tuchel needing stability on that side against DR Congo’s direct attacking threat.

DR Congo Team Analysis

DR Congo have already written history, but they will not want the story to end here. Sébastien Desabre’s side showed resilience against Portugal, battled Colombia, then came alive in the second half against Uzbekistan.

The key figure is Yoane Wissa. He scored twice against Uzbekistan, including a penalty and a stoppage-time finish, and his confidence will be central to DR Congo’s attacking plan.

Cedric Bakambu brings experience and physical presence, while Fiston Mayele has made a strong case to start after scoring on matchday three. Desabre may still prefer Bakambu’s know-how alongside Wissa for this tie.

Defensively, captain Chancel Mbemba is the backbone of the side. His leadership, aerial strength and experience will be essential if DR Congo switch back to a 5-3-2 shape designed to frustrate England and counter quickly.

Head-to-Head & Tournament Context

This will be the first senior meeting between England and DR Congo, giving the match a fresh tournament feel.

England are expected to dominate possession, but knockout football can become uncomfortable if an underdog scores first or survives deep into the second half. DR Congo have already shown they can recover from setbacks, having come from behind to beat Uzbekistan.

For England, this is a tie they are expected to win. For DR Congo, it is a historic opportunity to shock one of the tournament favourites and move into a potential last-16 match against Mexico or Ecuador.

Tactical Battle & Key Matchups

The central tactical question is whether England can break down DR Congo’s likely back five without becoming too slow or predictable.

If Desabre reverts to the 5-3-2 used against Portugal and Colombia, England will need quick switches of play, sharp movement from Saka and Rashford, and intelligent positioning from Bellingham between the lines.

DR Congo will look for transitions. Wissa’s movement into channels and Bakambu’s experience can test England’s centre-backs, especially if England’s full-backs push high.

England’s right side will be watched closely. With James and Quansah unavailable or doubtful, Spence may be targeted by DR Congo’s counter-attacks. His positioning and recovery pace could become important.

Injuries & Team News

• England: Reece James remains unlikely to return quickly because of injury concerns.
• England: Jarell Quansah is a doubt after suffering an ankle injury against Panama.
• England: Djed Spence is expected to start at right-back.
• England: Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford are expected to start on the flanks, fitness permitting.
• England: Harry Kane leads the line after becoming England’s record World Cup scorer.
• DR Congo: No major physical concerns have been reported before the tie.
• DR Congo: Desabre could return to a 5-3-2 shape after using a 4-4-2 against Uzbekistan.
• DR Congo: Steve Kapuadi could replace Brian Cipenga if the extra centre-back is restored.
• DR Congo: Yoane Wissa should start after scoring twice against Uzbekistan.
• DR Congo: Cedric Bakambu is expected to retain his place despite Fiston Mayele’s goal on matchday three.

Predicted Lineups

England predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guéhi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.

DR Congo predicted lineup (5-3-2): Mpasi-Nzau; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Kapuadi, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Kayembe; Wissa, Bakambu.

Betting Tips

• Full-time result: England win.
• Both teams to score: Yes.
• Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over 2.5 goals.
• Double chance: England or draw.
• Correct score: England 2-1 DR Congo.

Score Prediction

Goal.mu predicts: England 2-1 DR Congo.

DR Congo have the organisation, speed and belief to make this uncomfortable, especially if they settle into a back five and counter through Wissa. England should have enough quality through Bellingham, Kane and their wide players, but this may not be a routine night. Expect England to progress, but not without pressure.

Hot Stat

DR Congo qualified for the World Cup knockout stage for the first time after coming from behind to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in their final group match.

Final Analysis

England vs DR Congo is a classic last-32 favourite-against-underdog tie. England have more individual quality and greater tournament expectation, but their slow starts and defensive concerns mean there is still jeopardy.

DR Congo have already made history, and that freedom can be dangerous. If they score first or take the match deep at 0-0, the pressure on England will grow. Still, the Three Lions’ attacking quality should eventually decide the tie.