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BETTING GUIDE: England vs DR Congo, Belgium vs Senegal, World Cup predictions

Reading Time: 4min | Wed. 01.07.26. | 15:41

Here are our smart betting picks for Round Of 32 matches as DR Congo look for an upset and Senegal look to push deeper into the competition

BETTING GUIDE: England vs DR Congo

England continue their 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout journey with a Round of 32 clash against DR Congo The Three Lions arrive unbeaten under Thomas Tuchel and will be expected to control possession and tempo against one of Africa’s most disciplined surprise packages.

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DR Congo, meanwhile, are writing history in their first-ever World Cup appearance under that nation’s current identity.

After progressing as one of the best third-placed teams, they’ve already shown resilience and tactical flexibility, and will view this match as a free swing against one of the tournament favourites.

Kick-off: 7:00 PM , Wednesday (Kenyan Time)

Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

Round of 32 (Knockout Stage)

Current standings: Knockout stage – winner progresses to Round of 16

Qualification implications: Winner advances to Round of 16, loser eliminated from the tournament

Form Guide

England:

➖ Draw vs Portugal (1-1)

✅ Win vs Panama (2-0)

✅ Win vs Ghana (3-1)

❌ Loss vs Brazil (0-1)

✅ Win vs Croatia (2-1)

DR Congo:

➖ Draw vs Portugal (1-1)

❌ Loss vs Colombia (0-2)

✅ Win vs Uzbekistan (3-1)

➖ Draw vs Morocco (1-1)

❌ Loss vs Senegal (0-1)

Head-to-Head (Last Five Meetings)

There have been no previous competitive meetings between England and DR Congo.

Player to Watch

Harry Kane (England)

Kane remains England’s most reliable source of goals, combining elite positioning with clinical finishing.

His movement inside the box gives England a constant edge in matches where chances are limited.

He also brings leadership and knockout experience, making him central to Tuchel’s attacking system.

Against a deep-lying DR Congo defence, his ability to convert half-chances will be crucial.

Yoane Wissa (DR Congo)

Wissa has been DR Congo’s standout attacking threat, offering pace, directness, and sharp finishing in transition.

His ability to exploit space behind high defensive lines is key to their counter-attacking strategy.

He enters this match full of confidence after decisive goals in the group stage.

If DR Congo are to cause an upset, Wissa will likely be involved in their biggest moments.

Team News

England:

Reece James – ankle injury (doubt, short-term)

Jarell Quansah – minor knock (late fitness test)

🟢 Harry Kane – fit and expected to start

🟢 Bukayo Saka – available

DR Congo:

🟢 No injury concerns reported

Betting Tips

🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk): England to Win

🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk): Under 3.5 Goals

🔴 Long Shot (High Risk): England to Win 2-0

MozzartSport Writers Predictions:

• Imran Otieno-Under 2.5

• Meshack Kisenge- England Over 1.5 goals

• Kevin Teya- England Win

• Sammy Gitahi- Draw

• Brian Odhiambo- DRC Congo Win

• Victor Karuga- England Win

• Josh Angatia- England Win

BETTING GUIDE: Belgium vs Senegal

Belgium enter this Round of 32 clash as group winners, but their performances so far have raised more questions than answers.

Rudi Garcia’s side showed flashes of quality but lacked consistency, and they will need a sharper display if they are to progress deeper into the tournament.

Senegal arrive with momentum after a dominant 5-0 win in their final group match, securing qualification as one of the best third-placed teams.

The Lions of Teranga have been unpredictable, but their attacking bursts and physical intensity make them dangerous opponents in knockout football.

Kick-off: 11:00 PM (Kenyan Time), Wednesday

Venue: Seattle Stadium

Round of 32 (Knockout Stage)

Current standings: Knockout stage – winner progresses to Round of 16

Qualification implications: Winner advances to Round of 16, loser eliminated from the tournament

Form Guide

Belgium:

➖ Draw vs Egypt (1-1)

➖ Draw vs Iran (0-0)

✅ Win vs New Zealand (5-0)

➖ Draw vs Croatia (1-1)

❌ Loss vs France (0-2)

Senegal:

❌ Loss vs France (0-2)

❌ Loss vs Norway (1-3)

✅ Win vs Iraq (5-0)

➖ Draw vs Morocco (1-1)

❌ Loss vs Portugal (0-1)

Player to Watch

Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)

De Bruyne remains the creative heartbeat of Belgium, dictating tempo and unlocking defences with precision passing.

His vision in tight spaces makes him crucial against compact defensive setups like Senegal’s.

In knockout football, his experience and composure are often decisive. If Belgium are to control this match, De Bruyne will likely be at the centre of every major attacking move.

Ismaïla Sarr (Senegal)

Sarr provides Senegal with pace, directness, and unpredictability in attack.

His ability to break defensive lines on the counter makes him their most dangerous weapon in transition.

Against a possession-heavy Belgium side, his role becomes even more important. Senegal’s chances of an upset may depend heavily on his finishing and movement behind the defence.

Team News

Belgium:

🟢 Thibaut Courtois – fit and starting

🟡 Zeno Debast – doubt (leg injury, late fitness test)

🟢 Kevin De Bruyne – fit

🟢 Romelu Lukaku – available

Senegal:

Édouard Mendy – knee injury (doubt/under assessment)

🟡 Kalidou Koulibaly – fitness concern, possible rotation

🟢 Sadio Mané – fit and expected to start

🟢 Ismaïla Sarr – fit

Betting Tips

🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk): Belgium to Win

🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk): Under 2.5 Goals

🔴 Long Shot (High Risk): Belgium to Win 2-0

MozzartSport Writers Predictions:

Imran Otieno- Over 2.5

• Meshack Kisenge- Senegal Win

• Kevin Teya- Both Teams To Score

• Sammy Gitahi- Senegal Win

• Brian Odhiambo- Belgium Win and Over 1.5

• Victor Karuga- Senegal Win

• Josh Angatia-Belgium Win

Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling


tags

Betting GuideBetting TipsEnglandSenegalBelgiumDR CongoFIFA World Cup 2026

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