FIFA 2026 World Cup - England v DR Congo Tips

Match Details

Date: 2/7/26 2:00AM

Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia.

Current Betting Odds

England: $1.26

Draw: $5.20

DR Congo: $14.00

England vs. DR Congo Preview

All the pressure is on England for this one, after somewhat cruising through the group stage and now scheduled to face a team that is 41^st on the FIFA world rankings. The draw to Ghana is enough to keep the questions coming around England, but they had already done enough to win the group.

DR Congo have kept their dream run alive with a famous draw against Portugal and then a convincing win over Uzbekistan. They are a physical, defensive minded team who have limited opposition chances remaining brilliantly organised behind the ball. Their attack has been all or nothing, with Yoane Wissa providing any spark they have had.

Best Bet

Both teams to score NO

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$1.40

I don’t think Congo can get another goal from the same set up we have seen previously. All their goals have come in similar fashion on the counterattack and England are now well aware. They only average 4.3 passes per possession, and it’s been direct to goal or nothing. Without the ability to build up an attack and move a defence, I think England won’t fall for the same play. England won eight qualifying matches without conceding a single goal.

There is also the chance that Congo can shut out England for the regulation ninety minutes. They kept Portugal and Colombia to one goal and would be inspired by Ghana, who drew with England 0-0. England hit the post once, had nineteen shots and fourteen shots from inside the box, all without breaking through.

It would take a monumental effort from Congo, but we have seen already seen stranger things happen in this World Cup. As the odds suggest, there is a clear gap between where these two nations are expected to perform.

Same Game Multi Bet

England advance/ Under 2.5 total goals

SGM

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$2.75

The chances for goals are drying up as we get deeper into the competition, with a few of the matches so far ending up in penalty shootouts. Even with the extra half an hour of extra time, teams are staying rock solid, happy to defend a draw.

This game should stay close, and we know what sort of game plan both teams should employ. Congo will most likely stay in a 4-4-2, with the ability to drop to five across the back if they are being tested.

England will need to pick apart Congo’s defence to create any opportunities, the goals they score in free play, if any, will need to come from patient build ups and not firing away too early. I think they will eventually break the deadlock and move on to the round of 16.

Value Bet

England -1.0

Handicap

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$5.50

The English have been here before, 2022 was a quarter final and 2018 a semi-final. Still just one historic victory in 1966, with this team determined to break the long-standing draught.

Congo have far exceeded the majority of expectations and to be honest might be on borrowed time. After securing their first ever World Cup point against Portugal and then qualifying for the round of 32, the celebrations were immediate and impressive.

A proud African nation, they will never surrender, but I think England wear them down and eventually send them packing. Les Leopards will hold their heads high after a historic World Cup performance.

Sports Journalist

David Gibson

David is Betseeker's expert NBA and NBL tipster. With more than a decade of experience working in the Australian wagering industry, David has a particular knack for picking winning NBA SGMs.