England are fully expected to make it through to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup , but there is every chance DR Congo will keep it close in Atlanta . The Leopards have already shown their battling qualities at this tournament by taking a point off Portugal during the group stage.
Further evidence of their fighting spirit is highlighted by the fact that they have not lost a match by more than one goal since before the last World Cup. That stat makes 5/2 for the Three Lions to win by exactly one goal an appealing option for our first England vs DR Congo prediction.
Betting Odds
England vs DR Congo Betting Odds – 2026 World Cup Round of 32
Result | Odds | Chance |
|---|---|---|
England | 2/9 | 81.8% |
DR Congo | 12/1 | 7.7% |
Draw | 4/1 | 20% |
*Odds are correct at the time of writing, but subject to change.
England are 2/9 favourites to beat DR Congo , who are 12/1 for the win, with the draw at 4/1.
How to Watch
How to watch England vs DR Congo
Wednesday’s clash is scheduled to kick off at 17:00 BST and will be broadcast live on BBC One .
Early Payout Offer
2+ Goals Early Payout at BOYLE Sports
Back a football team with BOYLE Sports and if they go 2 goals ahead at any point, you're a winner. Full stop. It doesn't matter if they go on to draw or lose. Available on match betting markets across selected competitions. T&Cs apply.
Form Guides
England form guide
Thomas Tuchel ’s men kicked off their Group L campaign with a very encouraging 4-2 win against Croatia , when Harry Kane’s first-half double was backed up by strikes from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford after the break. However, it has been more a case of solid, rather than spectacular, since that strong opening for this England World Cup squad.
Ghana showed grit and determination to hold them to a goalless draw , while it took the Three Lions over an hour to wear down Panama , before Bellingham and Kane netted in a 2-0 triumph . Kane’s prowess in front of goal remains a key factor, but the impressive form of Bellingham has been a real bonus following a patchy season with Real Madrid.
With two goals, an assist and back-to-back man of the match performances, Bellingham has really lived up to his superstar billing so far during this tournament. BOYLE Sports are offering a Super Boost of EVS (was 2/5) for the red-hot 23-year-old to have a shot on target and that has to be included in our World Cup tips today.
DR Congo form guide
The Leopards are at just their second World Cup and this is their first ever knockout match , having lost all three group games as Zaire back in 1974. However, there have been few signs that they will be overawed, judged on their efforts at this event, despite only progressing as one of the best third-placed sides.
DR Congo rode their luck at times against Portugal but still deserve great credit for recovering from an early strike by Joao Neves to draw 1-1, with Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa equalising just before half-time. A 1-0 loss to Colombia was certainly no disgrace and Sebastien Desabre ’s side again showed great determination when coming from behind to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 , thanks to a brace from Wissa.
Just how far can England go in this World Cup? Olivia Buzaglo sat down with Stuart Pearce to discuss just that.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe and Noah Sadiki are other familiar faces in a squad that may be outgunned by the bigger nations, but will always be game. England to win and under 2.5 total goals looks good value at 15/8 , while for those wanting a larger pay-out, let’s add 10/1 for the Three Lions to prevail 1-0 and Kane to break the deadlock to our World Cup tips today.
Harry Kane to score first and England to win 1-0 @ 10/1
Betting Tips
England vs DR Congo Betting Tips – World Cup Round of 32
England to win by exactly one goal @ 5/2
Jude Bellingham to have a shot on target @ EVS
Harry Kane to score first and England to win 1-0 @ 10/1
Simply click/tap on the above betting tips to add to your betslip.
Bet on Football Odds at BOYLE Sports
*Prices are subject to fluctuation
Remember, Always Gamble Responsibly
Not all opinions are equal. The BOYLE Sports Team is made up of experts who know the sports and betting world inside out, delivering the kind of insights and analysis that give you a real edge where it matters most.
