Knockout Drama Continues as England, Belgium and USA Progress

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 continued with three captivating knockout fixtures as England, Belgium, and the United States secured their places in the Round of 16. Each contest unfolded differently, offering moments of quality, resilience, and high drama that underlined the unforgiving nature of knockout football.

England 2–1 DR Congo

England secured their place in the Round of 16 with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over DR Congo at Atlanta Stadium, but the scoreline only told part of the story. The Three Lions entered the match as favourites, yet DR Congo produced a spirited display that pushed them all the way.

England enjoyed the majority of possession from the outset, patiently moving the ball and probing for openings. Their persistence eventually paid off as they broke the deadlock through a well-worked attacking move. However, DR Congo refused to be overawed and responded with remarkable determination, matching England’s intensity and creating dangerous opportunities of their own.

The African side defended with discipline while threatening on the counterattack, ensuring England could never relax. Although England managed to restore their advantage and control large spells of possession, they were forced to remain alert until the final whistle. Ultimately, their composure and experience proved decisive as they held on to book their place in the last 16.

Belgium 3–2 Senegal (After Extra Time)

Belgium and Senegal produced one of the finest matches of the Round of 32 in a thrilling encounter that required extra time to separate the two sides. From the opening whistle, both teams attacked with purpose, creating an entertaining contest full of momentum swings.

Neither side managed to establish complete control as chances arrived at both ends. Senegal matched Belgium’s attacking quality with their own pace and determination, ensuring the contest remained evenly balanced throughout normal time.

With the scores level after 90 minutes, the match entered extra time where Belgium eventually found the decisive breakthrough. Their clinical finishing in the additional period ultimately settled a dramatic five-goal contest.

Senegal exited the tournament with their heads held high after producing a courageous performance that tested Belgium until the very end, while the Red Devils advanced knowing they had survived one of the toughest knockout ties so far.

USA 2–0 Bosnia & Herzegovina

The United States delivered another confident display to defeat Bosnia & Herzegovina 2–0 and comfortably secure their place in the Round of 16.

The Americans looked organised and composed from the beginning, pressing effectively and dictating the rhythm of the match. Their structured approach allowed them to create consistent attacking opportunities while limiting Bosnia & Herzegovina’s ability to build meaningful attacks.

After taking the lead, the USA continued to control proceedings without sacrificing defensive discipline. Bosnia & Herzegovina searched for a route back into the match but struggled to break through the well-organised American back line.

A second goal later in the contest effectively sealed the result, completing a professional performance that highlighted the USA’s growing confidence as they continue their World Cup campaign.