Drama Unfolds as England, Belgium, and the United States Advance in World Cup 2026

In a thrilling day of matches during the World Cup 2026 Round of 32, England, Belgium, and the United States all secured their places in the knockout stage, albeit amidst moments of intense drama and near-exits. **England's Narrow Escape Against DR Congo** In Atlanta, England faced a daunting challenge against the DR Congo, initially falling behind before the team's star striker, Harry Kane, orchestrated a remarkable comeback, scoring twice to secure a 2-1 victory. The win followed a group stage where England topped their group with a solid performance, having triumphed over Panama (2-0) and Croatia (4-2), while only managing a goalless draw against Ghana. Up next for England is a challenging encounter with Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium. **USA's Gritty Victory Over Bosnia-Herzegovina** Meanwhile, in Santa Clara, the host nation United States moved ahead after a gritty performance against Bosnia-Herzegovina, culminating in a 2-0 win. Folarin Balogun opened the scoring but faced an early exit after receiving a controversial red card. The Americans stood firm, and with Malik Tillman’s masterful free-kick sealing the win, they advanced to the last 16. The U.S. team had previously kicked off the tournament with an emphatic 4-1 win against Paraguay, showcasing their determination to make a mark in this competition. **Belgium's Dramatic Comeback Against Senegal** Belgium provided one of the most unforgettable moments of the tournament, recovering from a 2-0 deficit against Senegal to clinch a 3-2 victory in Seattle. With time running out, Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans scored in quick succession to level the match. The game proceeded to extra time, where Tielemans struck again from a contentious penalty awarded after a VAR review, solidifying Belgium's place in the Round of 16. Earlier in the group stage, Belgium rebounded from shaky performances with a stunning 5-1 victory over New Zealand, signaling their potential as serious contenders in the tournament. As the tournament progresses, the upcoming matches promise to deliver even more excitement and unexpected twists. Fans will be closely watching how England fares against Mexico and whether the U.S. can sustain their momentum against Belgium in the next round. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2