The FIFA World Cup 2026 last 32 continued to deliver drama on Wednesday as England, Belgium and co-hosts USA all secured their places in the round of 16.
England were pushed all the way by DR Congo before captain Harry Kane rescued the Three Lions, while Belgium needed extra time to overcome a spirited Senegal side.
Later in the day, the United States held firm despite being reduced to 10 men to seal a memorable victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Kane comes to England’s rescue
England looked to be heading for a shock exit after DR Congo took an early lead through Brian Cipenga in Atlanta.
Thomas Tuchel’s side struggled to create clear-cut chances for much of the contest, with Harry Kane kept quiet and Djed Spence enduring a difficult evening at right-back.
However, Anthony Gordon changed the game after coming off the bench, providing the spark England had been missing.
The Newcastle winger first set up Kane for the equaliser before creating the winner for the England captain, who completed his brace to send the Three Lions into the round of 16.
England will now face an in-form Mexico side that has yet to concede a goal in the tournament.
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Tielemans settles extra-time thriller
Belgium booked their place in the last 16 after coming from two goals down to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in one of the matches of the tournament.
Senegal stunned the Red Devails by racing into a 2-0 lead, leaving Belgium on the brink of elimination.
Romelu Lukaky began the comeback with just three minutes left of normal time before Youri Tielmans brought Belgium level to force extra time.
With penalties looming, Tielemans kept his composure to convert from the spot in extra time and complete his brace, and a remarkable turnaround for the 2018 World Cup semi-finalists.
USA overcome red-card setback
Co-hosts USA continued their impressive World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara.
Folarin Balogun broke the deadlock just before half-time to lift the home crowd, but the striker’s evening took a dramatic turn when he was sent off after a VAR review early in the second half.
Despite playing with 10 men, Mauricio Pochettino’s side remained in control and wrapped up the victory through Malik Tillman, whose late free-kick secured USA’s place in the last 16.
The victory sets up an intriguing clash with Belgium, although the Americans will have to cope without the suspended Balogun as they look to continue their run on home soil.
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