2026 World Cup: USA, England Cruise Into Round of 16 as Senegal Bottle 2-0 Lead and Bow Out to Belgium ‎

By Emmanuel Kwada

The 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered another night of high drama on Wednesday as the United States and England secured places in the Round of 16, while Senegal suffered one of the tournament’s most heartbreaking exits after squandering a two-goal lead against Belgium.

Fans across the globe were treated to thrilling knockout-stage encounters that produced historic milestones, stunning comebacks and unforgettable individual performances as the race for World Cup glory intensified.

USA’ Team in celebration

USA End 24-Year Wait for Knockout Victory

Co-hosts United States booked their place in the Round of 16 with a determined 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara, California.

The Americans took the lead on the stroke of halftime through striker Folarin Balogun, who continued his impressive tournament form by scoring his third goal of the competition.

However, the match took a tense turn midway through the second half when Balogun was shown a straight red card following a VAR review, forcing the United States to play with 10 men for the remainder of the contest.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the hosts remained disciplined and organized defensively, frustrating Bosnia’s attempts to find a way back into the game.

Their resilience was rewarded in the 82nd minute when Malik Tillman produced a superb free-kick to seal victory and spark celebrations among the home supporters.

Malik Tillman

Tillman was named FIFA’s Man of the Match for his influential display, which combined creativity, work rate and a decisive goal.

The victory marked a significant milestone for the United States, representing the country’s first World Cup knockout-stage win since 2002 and only its second-ever victory in a World Cup elimination match.

The result also underlined the growing confidence of the co-host nation, which has enjoyed a strong campaign so far and now advances to face Belgium in a highly anticipated Round of 16 clash.

Belgium Complete Stunning Escape as Senegal Collapse

If the United States celebrated one of its greatest World Cup nights, Senegal endured one of its most painful.

The Teranga Lions appeared firmly on course for qualification after taking a commanding 2-0 lead against Belgium in Seattle.

Senegal started brightly and were rewarded when Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the first half. Their advantage doubled later in the game through Ismaïla Sarr, whose goal put the African side in complete control and within touching distance of the next round.

Ismaïla Sarr

At that stage, Belgium looked beaten.

But football once again proved why it remains the world’s most unpredictable sport.

As Senegal retreated deeper into their half to protect the lead, Belgium seized the initiative. Veteran striker Romelu Lukaku pulled one back in the 86th minute to ignite hopes of an unlikely comeback.

Just three minutes later, Youri Tielemans rose highest to head home the equaliser, stunning Senegal and forcing the contest into extra time.

The dramatic turnaround was completed in the dying moments of extra time when Belgium were awarded a controversial penalty following a VAR review. Tielemans stepped forward and calmly converted in the 125th minute, sealing a remarkable 3-2 victory.

The midfielder’s match-winning performance earned him FIFA’s Man of the Match award.

For Senegal, the defeat was devastating. Having controlled large portions of the match and led by two goals late in the game, the West Africans watched their World Cup dream slip away in dramatic fashion.

Senegal will particularly feel they let a golden opportunity slip away after coming within minutes of reaching the next round.

The result also continued a frustrating trend for several African nations in the tournament, with promising campaigns ending in narrow and painful defeats.

Despite the elimination, Ismaïla Sarr achieved a notable personal milestone, becoming one of only two African players in World Cup history to score in three successive matches, alongside Morocco’s Ismael Saibari.

Kane Rescues England, Breaks Historic Record

England also survived a major scare against DR Congo in Atlanta, coming from behind to secure a 2-1 victory and a place in the Round of 16.

Harry Kane of England celebrates to fans following victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between England and Congo DR at Atlanta Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Getty Images)

The Congolese side stunned the Three Lions early when Brian Cipenga found the net in the seventh minute, sending England into a state of urgency.

For long periods, England struggled to break down a disciplined and determined DR Congo defence. As the clock ticked down, the possibility of a major upset grew stronger.

Then captain Harry Kane stepped forward.

The England striker equalised in the 75th minute before completing the comeback with another clinical finish 11 minutes later.

Kane’s brace not only sent England through but also etched his name into World Cup history. The goals took his World Cup tally to 12, allowing him to equal and then surpass the record previously held by Brazilian legend Pelé.

His match-winning display earned him the Man of the Match award and reinforced his reputation as one of the tournament’s most decisive performers.

England will now face Mexico in the Round of 16 as they continue their pursuit of a second World Cup title.

Round of 16 Takes Shape

With the latest results, the World Cup knockout bracket is beginning to take shape.

The United States will face Belgium in a clash between a confident host nation and one of Europe’s most experienced tournament teams, while England prepare for a difficult test against Mexico.

For Senegal and DR Congo, the tournament ends with pride but also regret. Senegal will particularly feel they let a golden opportunity slip away after coming within minutes of reaching the next round.

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