By Jessica Afuye
The knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup produced another thrilling day of football on Wednesday, with England, Belgium, and the United States all booking their places in the Round of 16 after three entertaining Round of 32 encounters. Late drama, stunning comebacks, and clinical finishing ensured fans were treated to another memorable chapter of the tournament.
England 2–1 DR Congo
England came from behind to defeat a spirited DR Congo side in Atlanta. DR Congo stunned the Three Lions in the 7th minute when Brian Cipenga fired home to hand the African side an early lead.
England struggled to break down a resilient defence until captain Harry Kane restored parity in the 75th minute, heading in a cross from Anthony Gordon. With just four minutes remaining, Kane struck again, smashing home the winner after being set up by Jude Bellingham to complete the comeback and send England into the next round.
Goal Scorers & Assists
* DR Congo: Brian Cipenga (7’)
* England: Harry Kane (75’, assist: Anthony Gordon)
* England: Harry Kane (86’, assist: Jude Bellingham)
Belgium 3–2 Senegal (After Extra Time)
Belgium produced one of the greatest comebacks of the tournament to eliminate Senegal after extra time.
Senegal appeared to be cruising after Habib Diarra opened the scoring before Ismaïla Sarr doubled the advantage. However, Belgium refused to surrender. Substitute Romelu Lukaku sparked the revival with a late goal before Youri Tielemans headed home the equaliser to force extra time.
With penalties looming, Belgium were awarded a controversial spot-kick deep into stoppage time of extra time after a VAR review. Youri Tielemans converted to complete an astonishing 3–2 comeback victory and send Belgium into the Round of 16.
Goal Scorers
* Senegal: Habib Diarra
* Senegal: Ismaïla Sarr
* Belgium: Romelu Lukaku
* Belgium: Youri Tielemans
* Belgium: Youri Tielemans (Penalty)
Assists
* Senegal: Moussa Niakhate
* Senegal : Direct goal
* Belgium:Thomas Meunièr
* Belgium: Leandro Trossard
* Belgium: penalty
United States 2–0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
The United States secured a comfortable victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina to complete the day’s action and book a place in the Round of 16.
The Americans controlled much of the contest, scoring once in each half to earn a deserved clean-sheet victory. Bosnia created several promising moments but could not find a breakthrough against the disciplined U.S. defence. The hosts will now face Belgium in the next round.
Goal Scorers & Assists
* Folarin Balogun — Goal (45+2’), assisted by Christian Pulisic.
* Malik Tillman — Goal (82’), unassisted (direct free kick).
Wednesday’s results completed another dramatic day in the knockout stage, with England’s resilience, Belgium’s extraordinary comeback, and the United States’ composed display ensuring all three nations progressed to the Round of 16 as the race for World Cup glory intensifies.