The 2026 World Cup knockout stage continues Wednesday with England taking on Congo DR at noon ET in Atlanta to kick off a three-match slate. England enters as the betting favorite after winning Group L and boasting one of the tournament’s most talented squads, while Congo DR arrives as a significant underdog after sneaking into the Round of 32 with four points as one of the tournament’s eight best third-place teams.
England won two of its three group-stage matches and played Ghana to a scoreless draw en route to the Group L title and a berth in the knockout stage. Harry Kane has been the driving force, leading England with three goals, 13 shots, and six shots on target, while newly turned 23-year-old Jude Bellingham has also played a major role in England’s success.
Congo DR opened its 2026 World Cup campaign by delivering one of the tournament’s first surprises, holding Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal to a 1-1 draw. It then dropped a 1-0 decision to Colombia before taking care of business with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan behind Yoane Wissa’s two-goal performance for the nation’s first ever World Cup win.
England vs. Congo DR Current Odds
Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook lists England as a significant favorite for Wednesday afternoon’s Round of 32 matchup, reflecting the team’s much higher expectations entering the tournament.
- England: -350
- Congo DR: +1200
- Draw/Tie: +400
England vs. Congo DR Predictions
The World Cup knockout stage brings win-or-go-home soccer, so don’t miss your chance to get in on the action. Head over to Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook and check out the Stats Hub for soccer betting insights, trends, trackers, and standings, along with picks like the one below:
England vs. Congo DR Best Bet: Harry Kane Anytime Goalscorer
It may seem clichĂ© to back a player like Harry Kane to score because of his talent and consistency, but it’s difficult to bet against one of the world’s top strikers whenever he steps on the pitch. In fact, Kane has scored at least one goal in four of his last five World Cup matches.
Kane leads England with three goals at this year’s World Cup, including a two-goal performance in the team’s 4-2 opening win over Croatia. While he trails a few players in the 2026 Golden Boot race, the England captain remains firmly in contention as he pursues his second career World Cup Golden Boot after first winning the award in 2018.
Congo DR has defended well throughout the tournament, with goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi recording nine saves while allowing just three goals through the group stage. However, containing attacking threats like Kane and Bellingham is a much different challenge, and Mpasi will have his hands full Wednesday afternoon.
- England vs. Congo DR Player Prop Pick for July 1: Harry Kane Anytime Goalscorer (-120)
Popular Props for England vs. Congo DR
As expected, Kane dominates the player prop markets, owning the four most-bet props and appearing six times among the top 10 heading into kickoff:
- Harry Kane – Anytime Goalscorer
- Jude Bellingham – To Score or Assist
- Harry Kane – To Score 2+ Goals
England & Congo DR World Cup Winner Odds
England owns the fourth-best odds to win the 2026 World Cup as it chases its second title and first since 1966. Congo DR, meanwhile, is tied for the tournament’s longest odds as it looks to extend just its second-ever World Cup appearance into the Round of 16:
- England to win the World Cup: +700
- Congo DR to win the World Cup: +100000
England vs. Congo DR Match Info
- đź“Ť Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
- đź“… Date: Wednesday, July 1
- ⏰ Start Time: 12:00 PM ET
- đź“ş Where to Watch: FOX, Telemundo, FOX One
- 🏆 Stage: World Cup Round of 32
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Referenced odds are subject to change.
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