The 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up as England, the United States, and Belgium all advanced to the Round of 16 after overcoming challenging knockout stage matches. England secured their spot with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over DR Congo in Atlanta. Despite falling behind early, England’s captain Harry Kane led the comeback with two crucial goals, setting up an exciting Round of 16 match against Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium. England’s journey to the knockout stage was marked by a strong performance in the group phase, securing the top spot with wins against Panama and Croatia, and a draw with Ghana.
Meanwhile, the United States found success in Santa Clara, where they defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0. Folarin Balogun opened the scoring for the Americans, but the game took a dramatic turn when he was sent off with a red card in the second half, leaving the team to defend their lead with ten players. Malik Tillman stepped up to secure the victory with a stunning free-kick, ensuring the U.S. team progressed to the next round with a solid defensive showing.
In one of the tournament’s most thrilling encounters, Belgium managed to overturn a 2-0 deficit against Senegal, emerging victorious with a 3-2 win after extra time. The match, held in Seattle, saw late goals from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans, which forced the game into extra time. Belgium’s persistence paid off when Tielemans converted a decisive penalty following a VAR review, sealing their place in the Round of 16 with a dramatic comeback.
As the knockout stage continues, Belgium is set to face the United States in what promises to be a gripping encounter. England, on the other hand, is preparing for a high-stakes clash with Mexico. Both matches are expected to capture the attention of football fans worldwide as the tournament progresses towards its climax.