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World Cup: England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 vs DR Congo 🇨🇩 will the game go to extra time? Our Prediction

Mambo! England take on DR Congo at Atlanta Stadium in Georgia on Wednesday, 1 July in the round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026. This is knockout football, where matches will be played to a finish, and if the score is level at the end of 90 minutes of playing time, 30 minutes of extra time will be played. But will these two sides need those additional 30 minutes to settle the contest?

The Extra Time Question

Games can only go to extra time during the knockout phase of the tournament, which starts with the Round of 32. Group stage matches can end in draws, but now we're in win-or-go-home territory. Extra time is a 30-minute period, containing two 15-minute halves. If a team scores in the first period of extra time, the second 15 minute half of football will still be played to determine a winner, and teams can score multiple goals in extra time.

So the real question is this: will England and DR Congo be level after 90 minutes plus stoppage time? Let's cheki the evidence.

England's Tournament Form

Thomas Tuchel's England topped Group L on seven points, opening with a 4-2 win over Croatia, then recording a goalless draw with Ghana, before finishing the group campaign with a 2-0 victory against Panama. England are unbeaten in their 11 competitive fixtures under Thomas Tuchel, with 10 wins and one draw.

Harry Kane's header in the final group game took him to 11 World Cup goals, making him England's record scorer at the tournament. Wazi, the Three Lions have firepower. But cheki this: England have been level at the break in each of their last four competitive fixtures. They've been slow starters, which could be significant for how this match unfolds.

DR Congo's Historic Run

DR Congo have reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history, finishing third in Group K after holding Portugal to a 1-1 draw, losing 1-0 to Colombia and beating Uzbekistan 3-1, with Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa scoring three times across the group stage.

The Leopards are not here to make up numbers. Sebastien Desabre has built his team on a bedrock of defensive stability, securing 29 clean sheets in 57 matches during his tenure. Even more impressive? Under his four-year stewardship, DR Congo have never been beaten by more than one goal.

Tactical Battle Points to Tight Match

Desabre has deployed a rigid back-five defensive block at this tournament to frustrate heavyweight European nations like Portugal, and they will revert to their disciplined low block to limit space for England's creative hubs, looking to absorb sustained pressure and strike clinically on the counter-attack.

DR Congo counters with an incredibly settled, high-level backline, with captain Chancel Mbemba anchoring the heart of the defence, flanked by Premier League and European pedigree in West Ham's Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Burnley's Axel Tuanzebe, and Lens's Arthur Masuaku. This unit has proven it rarely loses by more than a single goal when at full strength.

Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke struggled against Ghana's well-set low block, and Rashford and Saka could be important to getting at a Congo DR backline that held Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal at arm's length with ease for much of their World Cup opener. England will find it tough to break down this defense quickly.

The Prediction: Will Extra Time Be Needed?

Here's what the numbers tell us. England have been slow into their stride in recent games and the pattern may continue with an evenly matched first half in Atlanta. Congo's goalscoring is a stumbling block, with the side scoring one goal or fewer in two-thirds of their matches.

England are expected to progress comfortably, with pundits suggesting an England win and Over 2.5 goals looks the value combination, given Tuchel's team have shown attacking intent across the group stage and DR Congo carry a threat on the counter. But that doesn't necessarily mean it happens in 90 minutes.

The more likely scenario? England dominate possession but struggle to unlock DR Congo's organized defense. England ranked third for possession average (65.3%) in the group stage while Congo DR ranked 38th (38.5%). This suggests England will control the ball but face a packed defense.

Given DR Congo's defensive resilience, England's slow starts, and the knockout pressure, there's a genuine chance this match stays tight through 90 minutes. However, England's superior quality and depth should eventually tell. The Three Lions will likely find a way through before extra time is needed, but it could be late drama.

Our prediction: NO, the game will not go to extra time. England will likely break down DR Congo's resistance in the second half or during stoppage time, securing their place in the Round of 16 within the regulation 90 minutes. But this will be closer than many expect, and DR Congo have the tools to frustrate England deep into the match.

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