The FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage continues with three intriguing Round of 32 clashes on Thursday, as England, Belgium, and co-host United States look to avoid the fate of several tournament favorites already eliminated. With no second chances from this point forward, every match carries added significance as teams battle for a place in the Round of 16.
England vs Congo DR
12:00 AM (PHT)
England advanced as Group L winners after collecting seven points in the group stage. The Three Lions opened their campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia before being held to a goalless draw by Ghana, then wrapped up the first round with a 2-0 win over Panama. Despite topping the group, Thomas Tuchel’s side has been searching for greater consistency heading into the knockout stage.
DR Congo enters the Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s surprise teams after qualifying as a third-placed finisher from Group K. The Leopards earned a valuable 1-1 draw against Portugal, suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia, and secured qualification with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan to reach the nation’s first-ever World Cup knockout stage.
Key Player:
Harry Kane (England)
Belgium vs Senegal
4:00 AM (PHT)
Belgium finished first in Group G after overcoming a slow start in the tournament. The Red Devils drew their opening two matches against Egypt and Iran before exploding for a 5-1 victory over New Zealand to secure top spot and carry momentum into the knockout phase.
Senegal advanced as one of the best third-placed teams from Group I. The Lions of Teranga dropped close contests against France (3-1) and Norway (3-2) before responding emphatically with a 5-0 rout of Iraq to book their place in the Round of 32. Coach Pape Bouna Thiaw believes the knockout rounds present a fresh opportunity for his squad.
Key Player:
Leandro Trossard (Belgium)
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One step closer to the Round of 16…#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/xf3urLrUvR
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 1, 2026
United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
8:00 AM (PHT)
Co-host United States topped Group D to secure a favorable Round of 32 matchup. The Americans advanced after victories over Paraguay and Australia despite falling to Turkiye in their group finale, finishing first in the standings under Mauricio Pochettino. Confidence remains high, but the hosts are wary after seeing several traditional powers fall earlier in the knockout stage.
Bosnia and Herzegovina qualified as a third-placed team from Group B after defeating Qatar, losing to Switzerland, and earning a crucial draw against Canada to keep their World Cup campaign alive. The Europeans will rely on a disciplined defensive approach as they attempt to pull off another upset.
Key Player:
Folarin Balogun (United States)
With a mix of established contenders and emerging challengers taking the field, Wednesday’s Round of 32 fixtures promise compelling storylines. England and Belgium will aim to justify their status as favorites, while the United States looks to capitalize on home support and continue its run. Meanwhile, DR Congo, Senegal, and Bosnia and Herzegovina will seek to extend their World Cup journeys by adding another upset to an already unpredictable knockout stage.
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