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England v DR Congo predictions: Who will win World Cup 2026 round of 32 game?

England v DR Congo predictions: Who will win World Cup 2026 round of 32 game?

Our predictions for England v DR Congo in World Cup 2026 Group L, including who we think will win.

England midfielder Jude Bellingham, in white football kit, bears his teeth and clenches his fist on the pitch at World Cup 2026.

(Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)

Ned Holmes

Published: Wednesday, 1 July 2026 at 12:00 pm

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England take their first step into the World Cup 2026 knock-out stages on Wednesday as they face DR Congo in the round of 32.

The Three Lions topped Group L, beating Croatia and Panama, and drawing with Ghana. It wasn't always pretty but tournament football rarely is.

Germany's exit serves as a warning for England. Dominating possession is not enough and being too passive on the ball could lead to an early exit.

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But what can we expect from DR Congo, who qualified behind Colombia and Portugal in Group K as one of the best third-placed teams? And how will Wednesday's game play out?

Radio Times brings you our predictions for England v DR Congo at World Cup 2026.

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England v DR Congo predictions

England fans should be braced for more of the same against DR Congo, who defend deep and will look to exploit any defensive vulnerabilities on the break.

They are well drilled and physical defensively, while Yoane Wissa has had success running in behind.

An early goal would be massive for England but if Tuchel's men can't find it, then they could be in for another attritional game as they search for the breakthrough.

The Three Lions have players that have proven themselves capable of standing up and seizing the big moments – and we may see them do that again to inspire a late flurry that sends them through to the round of 16.

Radio Times says... England 2-0 DR Congo

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of Ned Holmes, smiling against a lime green background.

Ned Holmes

Ned is a sports writer at RadioTimes.com. He has covered a host of sports from EFL football, international cricket and golf all the way through to bike polo and triathlon.

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