In a series of tense knockout matches, England, the United States, and Belgium have all secured their spots in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. England emerged victorious with a 2-1 comeback win against DR Congo in Atlanta. The team, led by captain Harry Kane, who scored both goals, will now face Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium. Having topped their group with earlier triumphs over Panama and Croatia, and a draw with Ghana, England is gearing up for the next challenge.
The United States also advanced, defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in Santa Clara. Folarin Balogun opened the scoring, but was later sent off with a red card, compelling the team to finish the match with ten players. Malik Tillman, however, sealed the victory with a precise free-kick, propelling the Americans into the next round with a solid defensive effort.
Belgium’s path to the Round of 16 was marked by one of the tournament’s most thrilling comebacks, as they overturned a 2-0 deficit to edge out Senegal 3-2 in Seattle. Late goals by Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans forced the game into extra time. Tielemans then clinched the win by converting a penalty, awarded after a VAR review, completing the Belgian resurgence.
With these triumphs, Belgium is now set to face the United States in their upcoming Round of 16 battle. Meanwhile, England is preparing for a highly anticipated clash against Mexico, continuing the intensity of the World Cup’s knockout stage. As the tournament progresses, fans eagerly await to see which team will emerge victorious in these high-stakes encounters.