FIFAWC: England Belgium, USA Through To Last 16

England, Belgium and the United States booked their places in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after three gripping Round of 32 encounters delivered late drama, remarkable comebacks and standout individual performances.

England needed a captain’s intervention to avoid a stunning upset against DR Congo, recovering from an early setback to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory in Atlanta.

DR Congo silenced the English supporters just seven minutes into the contest when Brian Cipenga struck to give the African side a dream start. England struggled to find a breakthrough for much of the game before Harry Kane once again proved decisive, heading home the equaliser in the 75th minute before curling in a superb winner four minutes from time to complete the turnaround and send the Three Lions into the last 16.

Belgium produced one of the greatest comebacks of the tournament, overturning a two-goal deficit to edge Senegal 3-2 after extra time.

Senegal looked set for a famous victory after first-half goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr put them firmly in control. However, Romelu Lukaku sparked Belgium’s revival with a late strike before Youri Tielemans levelled in the closing stages to force extra time. Deep into stoppage time of extra time, Tielemans calmly converted a penalty to complete an astonishing comeback and seal Belgium’s passage.

Co-hosts the United States also advanced with a disciplined 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Malik Tillman opened the scoring before Ricardo Pepi added the second as the Americans comfortably progressed despite finishing the match with ten men following Folarin Balogun’s late red card.

The latest results have completed five of the eight Round of 16 fixtures. Canada will face Morocco, Paraguay take on France, Brazil meet Norway, England will battle co-hosts Mexico, while Belgium and the United States are set for a blockbuster showdown.

The Round of 32 concludes on Thursday with Spain facing Austria, Portugal taking on Croatia, and Switzerland meeting Algeria as the race for a place in the last 16 reaches its climax.

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

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Adetinuyo Julian is a seasoned journalist and media specialist with several years of experience, renowned for her investigative reporting on social issues such as vulnerability and climate change. A passionate advocate for global peace, inclusion, human rights, a Media Consultant as well as Content creator

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