The England vs. DR Congo lineups are confirmed for today’s 2026 World Cup Round of 32 match set to kick off at 12:00 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. The two countries meet head-to-head for the first time in each other's history, with a spot in the Round of 16 being on the line.
England is the overwhelming favorite to win this match, returning a 1.09x payout to advance on PrizePicks Team Picks with an 87% implied win probability. The Three Lions come into the match unbeaten in the competition, winning Group L with two triumphs and a draw.
The Three Lions are dealing with some key injuries at the back but will still have one of the world’s best STs, Harry Kane, leading the line on Wednesday afternoon. For DR Congo, ST Yoane Wissa aims to add to his 3 World Cup goals in his country’s first-ever knockout-round game later today.
Make your England vs. DR Congo predictions for the Round of 32 on PrizePicks now!
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Confirmed England Lineup vs. DR Congo for World Cup 2026 Round of 32
Formation: 4-1-4-1
- Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
- Defenders: Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi, Nico O’Reilly
- Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham
- Forwards: Noni Madueke, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford
England subs vs. DR Congo: Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Jordan Henderson, Ollie Watkins, Dean Henderson, James Trafford, John Stones, Dan Burn, Trevoh Chalobah, Kobbie Mainoo, Ivan Toney, Anthony Gordon, Reece James, Jarell Quansah, Morgan Rogers
Confirmed DR Congo Lineup vs. England for World Cup 2026 Round of 32
Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Goalkeeper: Lionel Mpasi-Nzau
- Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku
- Midfielders: Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau
- Forwards: Yoane Wissa, Brian Cipenga, Nathanaël Mbuku
DR Congo subs vs. England: Steve Kapuadi, Simon Banza, Joris Kayembe, Charles Pickel, Matthieu Epolo, Timothy Fayulu, Gedeon Kalulu, Dylan Batubinsika, Aaron Tshibola, Gaël Kakuta, Théo Bongonda, Meschack Elia, Fiston Mayele, Edo Kayembe, Cédric Bakambu
Make your 2026 World Cup Round of 32 predictions on PrizePicks for England vs. DR Congo.
What England vs. DR Congo Starting Lineups Mean for World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Predictions
With starting and backup RBs Reece James and Jarell Quansah both officially ruled out, Djed Spence will be receiving his first-ever World Cup start at right back later today for England. The Tottenham defender typically plays as a left back but was subbed on for the injured Quansah during England’s final group stage game.
He'll now start in the same position just four days later, with the Three Lions’ options at fullback running thin heading into the knockout stage.
Surprisingly, Bukayo Saka will begin the game on the bench as he continues to “manage his fitness," with his Arsenal teammate, Noni Madueke, set to start. Madueke started the first two matches of the group stage, with Saka starting the final one. Both players subbed on for one another in all three matches.
That puts extra focus on players like Madueke, Declan Rice, and Spence, who may all see more chances based on today’s starting XIs. Like James, Spence has shown the ability to invert into the midfield, stay out wide, or overlap down the wing, all of which are crucial components for a Thomas Tuchel full-back given his tactics.
For a full match breakdown — including player picks, trends, key players, and how we’re reading this matchup — check out our full England vs. DR Congo Round of 32 prediction article.
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Make England vs. DR Congo World Cup Round of 32 Predictions on PrizePicks
Despite a new look at the back for England, the Three Lions could take care of business on Wednesday and look ahead to a match with Mexico in the Round of 16 if they can advance. Will DR Congo be able to expose England’s defensive injury woes and pull off a huge World Cup upset?
Now that lineups are confirmed, it’s time to make your England vs. DR Congo picks on PrizePicks. Just pick your players, predict More or Less on their stats, and cash in if you’re right.
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