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Today’s World Cup prediction backs England to beat DR Congo 2-0 in a Round of 32 tie at Atlanta Stadium, with a Round of 16 spot at stake. Thomas Tuchel’s side topped Group L with wins over Croatia and Panama either side of a goalless draw with Ghana, while Sebastien Desabre’s side reached the knockouts for the first time in their history after edging through as a third-placed qualifier. Tuchel’s possession-based approach against Desabre’s physical, counter-attacking block makes this score prediction worth watching closely.
| Match Detail | Information |
| Match | England vs DR Congo |
| Competition | FIFA World Cup 2026 |
| Stage | Round of 32 |
| Venue | Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Date | July 1, 2026 |
| Time | BDT 10:00 PM / INR 9:30 PM |
| Broadcast & Live Streaming | Click here to watch live on Sports Live Hub (SLH) |
England carry two fitness concerns into the knockouts: Jarell Quansah is a doubt with an ankle injury, while Reece James is sidelined with a hamstring issue. No suspensions affect Tuchel’s squad heading into the Round of 32. The rest of the squad, including Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, remain fully available for the tie.
DR Congo head into the Round of 32 with no injury concerns to report, giving Desabre his entire squad fully fit and cleared to play. No suspensions affect the squad either. Yoane Wissa, Cedric Bakambu and the rest of the attacking unit that beat Uzbekistan in the group stage are fully available for selection.
| Matches Played | 0 |
| England Won | 0 |
| DR Congo Won | 0 |
| Tied | 0 |
| First-ever Fixture | This will be the first-ever meeting between the two nations |
| Most-recent Fixture | N/A |
| World Cup H2H (if available) | None – first-ever competitive meeting between the two sides |
England’s group stage was strong if occasionally underwhelming: a 4-2 win over Croatia showed attacking teeth, a goalless draw with Ghana exposed difficulty breaking down a low block, then a 2-0 win over Panama secured top spot. Kane and Bellingham have provided the cutting edge, while Rice has anchored midfield throughout. Tuchel’s side carry genuine quality into the knockouts despite a slightly stuttering finish to the group phase.
DR Congo’s tournament has been a genuine fairytale: a battling 1-1 draw with Portugal, a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia, and then a composed 3-1 win over Uzbekistan to secure a place as a third-placed qualifier. Wissa has been the standout performer with three goals, while a structured defensive block built around Mbemba has frustrated stronger opponents. Desabre’s side have already rewritten their nation’s footballing history by reaching this stage.
Also read:- Mexico vs Ecuador Prediction | FIFA World Cup 2026 Prediction | Round of 32
Based on the players available, the standout duel is Harry Kane against Chancel Mbemba. Kane arrives with a strong scoring record at this World Cup, his movement and finishing instincts making him one of the most reliable sources of goals in the entire competition. His ability to drop deep and link play adds another dimension that defenders must account for.
Mbemba, as captain and defensive leader, carries the responsibility of organising a back line that has impressed throughout the group stage. His experience and composure under pressure have been central to the structured defensive identity that has taken his side this far. If he can deny Kane clean sight of goal, England’s primary outlet becomes far less reliable.
Another likely duel, based on the players available, pits Declan Rice against Noah Sadiki. Rice offers physicality and composure at the base of England’s midfield, breaking up attacks and providing the platform from which Tuchel’s side build possession with confidence. His ability to drive forward with the ball also adds a layer of unpredictability to England’s attacking patterns.
Sadiki anchors a combative midfield that has consistently disrupted opposition rhythm throughout the tournament. His energy and willingness to engage in physical duels make him a constant nuisance for opposing playmakers. If Sadiki can deny Rice time and space, England’s build-up could stutter; if Rice dominates, the supply line to Kane and Bellingham should flow freely.
Expect Tuchel to deploy a possession-based structure, with Rice screening the back four and Bellingham roaming to link midfield and attack. Saka and Rashford will look to combine in wide areas, with England’s depth allowing Tuchel to manage risk carefully against a knockout opponent. Given the difficulty England had breaking down Ghana’s low block, expect more patience and rotation in the final third this time.
Desabre is likely to set up in a compact, physically structured shape, designed to frustrate the possession game and absorb pressure before springing quick counters through Wissa and Cipenga. Moutoussamy and Kayembe will look to disrupt England’s rhythm centrally, an approach that has worked well against stronger opponents already this tournament. With everything on the line, expect Desabre to prioritise defensive discipline over forcing the game.
England XI:
Pickford (GK), Quansah, Konsa, Guéhi, O’Reilly, Anderson, Bellingham, Saka, Rogers, Rashford, Kane
DR Congo XI:
Mpasi-Nzau (GK), Bakambu, Wissa, Cipenga, Sadiki, Moutoussamy, Mbuku, Masuaku, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Wan-Bissaka
This looks like a contest where England’s quality should eventually tell, but DR Congo have already shown they can frustrate strong opposition for long periods this tournament. Tuchel’s side carry superior individual talent and squad depth, though their struggles against compact low blocks remain a genuine concern heading into the knockouts. Today’s World Cup prediction leans firmly toward England progressing, though a goalless first half wouldn’t be a surprise.
Kane and Bellingham’s quality eventually breaks down a stubborn, well-organised defence, though the Leopards make Tuchel’s side work hard for every chance created.
So, can DR Congo’s defensive discipline frustrate England again, or does Kane fire the Three Lions into the Round of 16? We’re sticking with 2-0 to England, built on superior quality and squad depth. Who do you back to advance from Atlanta? Stick with JeetBuzz for live updates and full post-match analysis as this World Cup match prediction is tested.
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What time does England vs DR Congo kick off today?
England vs DR Congo kicks off at 10:00 PM BDT / 9:30 PM IST on July 1.
Where can I watch England vs DR Congo live?
The match streams live on Sports Live Hub (SLH).
Is Reece James fit to start for England against DR Congo?
James is sidelined with a hamstring injury and unlikely to start the Round of 32 tie against DR Congo.
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