FIFA World Cup 2026 –England , Belgium win thrillers , USA get past Bosnia in round 32

 


Round of 32 provided some thrillers in latest matches with England struggling to beat Congo , Belgium comeback win over Senegal & USA winning over Bosnia

England 2–1 DR Congo

England survived a huge scare to reach the Round of 16, coming from behind to defeat tournament surprise package DR Congo 2-1 in Atlanta. The African side, playing in their first-ever World Cup knockout match, stunned the Three Lions with an early goal and defended heroically for much of the contest before captain Harry Kane rescued England with a late brace. 


DR Congo made a dream start in the 7th minute. England's defence failed to deal with a long ball, allowing Brian Cipenga to race clear before calmly beating Jordan Pickford to give the Congolese an unlikely 1-0 lead. England dominated possession thereafter, but were repeatedly frustrated by goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who produced outstanding saves to deny Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford and Kane. The underdogs defended with remarkable discipline and looked set for a famous upset. 


England finally found the breakthrough in the 75th minute when substitute Anthony Gordon delivered an inviting cross into the six-yard box and Harry Kane powered home a header to level the scores. Buoyed by the equaliser, England continued to press and completed the comeback in the 86th minute. Kane collected the ball just outside the penalty area before unleashing a magnificent right-footed strike into the far corner, leaving Mpasi with no chance. England comfortably held on during the closing minutes to book a last-16 meeting with Mexico. 


Goals

DR Congo 1-0: Brian Cipenga (7')

England 1-1: Harry Kane (75')

England 2-1: Harry Kane (86') 


Belgium 3–2 Senegal (after extra time)

Belgium produced a remarkable comeback from two goals down to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in one of the most dramatic matches of the Round of 32. Senegal dominated for long spells and looked on course for a famous victory before Belgium staged a sensational late revival. 


Senegal took the lead in the 25th minute when Habib Diarra finished a flowing move with a composed strike past Thibaut Courtois. The Lions of Teranga doubled their advantage six minutes after halftime as Ismaïla Sarr latched onto a through ball and coolly slotted home to make it 2-0, leaving Belgium on the brink of elimination. 


Belgium refused to surrender. Veteran striker Romelu Lukaku pulled one back in the 86th minute with a powerful finish from close range after a dangerous cross into the box. Just three minutes later, Youri Tielemans produced a superb strike from the edge of the area to make it 2-2 and force extra time. 


With penalties looming, Belgium earned a dramatic spot-kick deep into extra time. Youri Tielemans kept his composure in the 120+5th minute, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to complete an astonishing comeback and send Belgium through to the Round of 16. Senegal exited the tournament despite an outstanding performance. 


Goals

Senegal 1-0: Habib Diarra (25')

Senegal 2-0: Ismaïla Sarr (51')

Belgium 1-2: Romelu Lukaku (86')

Belgium 2-2: Youri Tielemans (89')

Belgium 3-2: Youri Tielemans (120+5', penalty) 


United States 2–0 Bosnia and Herzegovina

Co-hosts United States advanced to the Round of 16 with a determined 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina at Levi's Stadium despite playing the final half-hour with ten men. The Americans combined attacking quality with resolute defending to secure a deserved win. 


The USA controlled much of the first half and deservedly broke the deadlock just before the interval. In the 45th minute, Folarin Balogun finished clinically after excellent work from the American midfield, giving the home fans plenty to celebrate. Bosnia attempted to respond after the restart, but the United States remained well organized defensively. 


The match took another turn in the 64th minute when goalscorer Balogun was shown a red card, reducing the hosts to ten men. Bosnia pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but the United States defended superbly and struck decisively on the counterattack. In the 82nd minute, Malik Tillman curled a superb free-kick into the net to seal a 2-0 victory and send the Americans safely into the Round of 16. 


Goals

USA 1-0: Folarin Balogun (45')

USA 2-0: Malik Tillman (82')

Red Card

USA: Folarin Balogun (64') 


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