The knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup continued to deliver high drama as England, Belgium, and co-host United States all punched their tickets to the Round of 16, although none of the victories came without a fight.
While England and Belgium needed late heroics to stay alive, the Americans produced one of their most disciplined performances of the tournament to continue their home World Cup campaign.
England 2-1 DR Congo
England needed captain Harry Kane to rescue them after a spirited challenge from tournament surprise package DR Congo.
The African side stunned the Three Lions early through Brian Cipenga and looked on course for one of the biggest upsets of the knockout stage. England struggled to break down DR Congo’s disciplined defense for much of the match before Kane finally found the equalizer with a header in the 75th minute.
The England skipper completed the turnaround just 11 minutes later, striking from distance to secure a 2-1 victory and send Thomas Tuchel’s side into the Round of 16. Despite advancing, England’s performance drew criticism after another sluggish display against an underdog opponent.
Belgium 3-2 Senegal (after extra time)
Belgium authored one of the greatest escapes of the tournament, overturning a two-goal deficit before eliminating Senegal in extra time.
Goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaïla Sarr gave Senegal a commanding 2-0 advantage, and the African nation appeared destined for the Round of 16.
Everything changed in the closing minutes.
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Romelu Lukaku sparked Belgium’s comeback in the 86th minute before Youri Tielemans headed home the equalizer just three minutes later to force extra time. Tielemans then completed the remarkable turnaround by converting a decisive penalty in extra time, sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory.
The heartbreaking defeat ended Senegal’s World Cup campaign after they had been minutes away from a famous win, while Belgium advanced to face the United States in the next round.
USA 2-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
The United States continued its impressive run on home soil with a composed 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Folarin Balogun finally broke the deadlock after seeing an earlier effort ruled out for offside, giving the hosts a deserved lead before later being sent off in the second half. Even with 10 men, the Americans remained in control as Malik Tillman curled home a superb free kick to put the result beyond doubt.
The clean-sheet victory sends Mauricio Pochettino’s side into the Round of 16, where they will face Belgium in one of the marquee matchups of the knockout stage. However, the Americans will be without Balogun after his red card suspension.
With the Round of 16 field continuing to take shape, the margin for error has completely disappeared. England survived a scare, Belgium completed a stunning comeback, and the United States kept its World Cup dream alive as the race toward football’s biggest prize intensifies.
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